BP Editors
In 2010, Philip Morris was “forced to admit” that at least 72 children were working on tobacco farms that sold to PM, some victims were as young as ten years old. “Forced” is the key word in the last sentence; it was only after the Human Rights Watch uncovered a sordid tale of slavery and illegal practices on tobacco farms in Kazakhstan that Philip Morris took only partial responsibility for these problems.
“Forced” is the key term; it was only after the Human Rights Watch uncovered a sordid tale of slavery and illegal practices on tobacco farms in Kazakhstan that Philip Morris took only partial responsibility for its problems.
Using child slaves, many of whom developed rashes on their necks and stomachs from handling the tobacco, wasn’t Morris’ only offense.
The farms (who sold 1,500 tonnes of tobacco to PM in 2009 and other significant amounts to cigarette companies in Russia) utilized migrant workers for slave labor, often confiscating their passports and forcing them to work overtime without compensation.
Despite “regular and constructive dialogue” between Human Rights Watch and Philip Morris in 2010, it was later discovered that Philip Morris was failing to live up to their promises regarding putting a stop to these illegal and unethical practices.
If the idea of poor families working 13-hour days for pennies while their small children slave in the tobacco fields at the risk of nicotine poisoning makes you feel bad, try to avoid purchasing the following:
Marlboro, Basic, Benson & Hedges, Cambridge, Chesterfield, Commander, Dave’s, English Ovals, Lark, L&M, Merit, Parliament, Players, Saratoga and Virginia Slims.
