HUMAN RIGHTS MONTH AGROAMERICA PROGRAMS FOR HEALTH & DIGNITY

(Newswire.net — December 11, 2017) Ciudad de Guatemala, nivel 11, —

December is Human Rights Month and around the globe governments, organizations and companies are working to raise awareness of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.  This year the hashtag #StandUp4HumanRights is being used on social media to highlight these ideas:

• The Universal Declaration of Human Rights empowers us all.
• Human rights are relevant to all of us, every day.
• Our shared humanity is rooted in these universal values.
• Equality, justice and freedom prevent violence and sustain peace.
• Whenever and wherever humanity’s values are abandoned, we all are at greater risk.
• We need to stand up for our rights and those of others.

The Government of Guatemala has many programs in place to address the issues of Human Rights. However, Jordan Rojas, head of the Human Rights Ombudsman (PDH) says the rights he is most concerned about are nutrition and health, since they are the most alarming indicators in Guatemala.

Data from the Ministry of Food and Nutrition Security (SESAN) show that in November 2017 there were 11,600 cases of acute malnutrition, while in the same period last year there were 12,600. Although there was a decrease the number is  still very high.   The National Survey of Living Conditions showed an increase in poverty and extreme poverty of 8.1 percent in eight years.

Companies like AgroAmerica are making a difference for their workers and the communities around their operations through various initiatives:

1. Training all farm workers on the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.  This training focuses on making sure all workers know and understand their rights
2. The Living Wage program that provides a wage above the minimum wage.  AgroAmerica was the first companies to survey what a Living Wage is and provide that to all workers, so they and their families can live a life of dignity
3. A Banana a Day food security program that addresses nutrition issues with school children. This program has made a remarkable difference in the school performace of the participating children.
4. The Mojarras School for children of employees provides access to a good education for the children of AgroAmerica employees. Both boys and girls are encouraged to attend school and this year the second class of students completed sixth grade.
5. Access to clean water for local communities close to the farms via filters and reservoirs. This is a major contribution to health and wellness for the local population.
6. Access to healthcare at the clinic built by AgroAmerica and run in cooperation with the University of Colorado. The clinic runs programs for mothers-to-be, new mothers and infants.

 All these CSR programs address the issues mentioned in Article 25 of the Declaration of Human Rights:

 (1) Everyone has the right to a standard of living adequate for the health and well-being of himself and of his family, including food, clothing, housing and medical care and necessary social services, and the right to security in the event of unemployment, sickness, disability, widowhood, old age or other lack of livelihood in circumstances beyond his control.
(2) Motherhood and childhood are entitled to special care and assistance. All children, whether born in or out of wedlock, shall enjoy the same social protection.