LONDON, UK – Colombia is renowned for its leading position in the global coffee industry, currently ranking as the third largest coffee producer in the world. This achievement is possible thanks to the work of 548,000 coffee-growing families and 2.5 million workers across the country. The sector is predominantly made up of small producers who account for around 70 per cent of national production.
Despite significant efforts, the sector still faces notable challenges in ensuring decent work for its labour force and achieving sustainable, inclusive and socially just development for all.
Eighty-five per cent of coffee production in Colombia takes place in the informal economy, which affects all workers in the sector given the limitations in terms of health coverage and access to social security, as well as the fact that only 3.4 per cent are registered with an occupational risk management company. What’s more, these challenges are exacerbated by the various high risks faced by coffee farmers during their day-to-day work.
Occupational health and safety is a fundamental right that must be guaranteed for all, so raising awareness about challenges and opportunities among workers represents a chance to forge new paths towards a more sustainable chain with a brighter future.
For this reason, on the occasion of the World Day for Safety and Health at Work (28th April), the International Labour Organization (ILO), including its Vision Zero Fund, the Colombian Ministry of Labour, the International Coffee Organization and the Government of Huila, are launching the #FamiliasCafeteras¹ campaign, a call for all stakeholders in the sector to take action to ensure decent work for all coffee workers in Colombia.
The campaign is kicking off with a social media challenge, taking place from 28 April to 5 May and encouraging all “coffee families” in the country to share photos and advocate for the promotion of decent work, including the right to a safe and healthy working environment for all coffee workers.
Between April and October, the #FamiliasCafeteras campaign will feature a range of activities aimed at raising awareness of social security and occupational health in the coffee chain. This includes sharing knowledge and good practices among the stakeholders involved and showcasing efforts in different coffee regions, including Huila, to advance decent work, inspiring other areas and promoting new initiatives for social justice.
In Colombia, coffee is produced and enjoyed in good company. We are counting on your support to share the #FamiliasCafeteras campaign on your own platforms and to promote the observance of the World Day for Safety and Health at Work on 28 April.
1 “#CoffeeFamilies” in English.
