Watchdog calls for US import ban as forced labor persists in Dominican sugarcane fields
Summary
A human rights group reported that forced labor continues on large sugarcane plantations in the Dominican Republic, which export to the U.S. The group urged the U.S. government to ban imports from these plantations again, as workers face poor pay and bad living conditions.Key Facts
- Forced labor is happening on big sugarcane plantations owned by Central Romana Corporation in the Dominican Republic.
- Central Romana is the largest employer and landowner in the country’s sugar industry.
- The company has past links to President Donald Trump and U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
- The U.S. had banned imports from Central Romana in 2022 but lifted the ban during President Trump’s administration.
- About 8,000 workers, many Haitian migrants or their descendants, work under poor conditions with low wages and crowded housing.
- Some workers don’t have official papers, limiting their job options and rights.
- The report calls on Central Romana to pay fair wages, enroll workers in social security, allow independent unions, and improve health protections.
- Fear among workers prevents them from complaining or demanding fair treatment.
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