The International Cocoa Initiative (ICI) is dedicated to ensuring no child is exploited in the growing of cocoa and, ultimately, to ending child and forced labour in the sector. At ICI, we believe understanding the complexity of the issues on the ground is essential to success.
 
ICI is an independent non-profit foundation aiming to address the Worst Forms of Child Labour and Forced Adult Labour on cocoa farms.  Established in 2002, it works closely with producer governments to offer a real and sustainable solution to the worst forms of child labour and forced labour in the cocoa supply chain. Supported by individual chocolate and cocoa companies, ICI is led by a Board composed equally of industry and civil society (NGO) representatives. The International Labour Organisation (ILO) is an advisor to the Board.

ICI’s programme is community centred, ensuring an approach based on actual local conditions and creating a way for each community to guide its own future. ICI:

• Works at the national level to support appropriate and effective policies;
• Supports capacity building for local partners and relevant  institutions;
• Implements community based projects to change attitudes and practices;
• Supports social protection for victims of exploitation; and,
• Shares lessons learned to promote effective, wider engagement.

The ICI process sensitises cocoa-growing communities about abusive labour practices and helps them plan for themselves how best to ensure that these practices are ended. The programme is community centred, allowing the community to guide its own future. By working locally with cocoa-growing communities, ICI is beginning to change the way cocoa is grown.

Download ICI Leaflet and its Powerpoint_presentation.