Dinant invites stakeholders to provide information on Aguán land conflicts

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  • martes 3 noviembre 2015

    Dinant invites stakeholders to provide information on Aguán land conflicts

    Company Pledges To Investigate All Alleged Incidents

    In the spirit of open engagement, Corporación Dinant has written to stakeholders and human rights organizations requesting any information they have on alleged incidents that might have occurred on or near Dinant’s property in the Aguán region of Honduras without the company’s knowledge. Dinant has pledged to investigate fully and transparently each incident and, where appropriate, pass on information to the Honduran authorities.

    Company spokesman Roger Pineda said, “We recognize the value of working constructively with all stakeholders in the region, especially those that do not always share our views. Dinant fully supports the recommendations of Consensus Building Institute (CBI) which, under the supervision of the International Finance Corporation, is bringing together all stakeholders of the Aguán to seek solutions to some of the problems faced by this beautiful but troubled region of Honduras. As part of Dinant’s commitment to CBI’s program, we have invited stakeholders to come forward with information about alleged incidents that might have taken place on company land without our knowing so that we can investigate thoroughly.”

    Dinant has operated in Honduras for 55 years and is committed to the welfare of employees, suppliers, customers and local communities. Like all large organizations, Dinant does not always get everything right. Through its regional Community Grievance Mechanisms, Dinant is listening to local communities and thinking hard about improvements it can make to local people’s lives. But now the company is seeking to go further.

    Mr. Pineda continued, “Dinant has repeatedly stated its support for current or future investigations into the Aguán land conflicts. We deeply regret the tragic and unnecessary deaths that have occurred on all sides. If Dinant security staff or contractors have made mistakes in the course of their duties, then it is right that these be revealed by the Government investigation and appropriate legal action taken as soon as possible. We ask that the same standard apply to all parties in the Aguán. But we believe there is more we can do. That is why we proactively reached out to a number of stakeholders in August to enable us to investigate fully each credible allegation made against us. So far, none have come forward with information, but we shall keep the invitation open.”

    About Corporación Dinant

    Dinant is a family-owned consumer products manufacturer founded in Honduras in 1960. Its products are sold across Central America and the Dominican Republic, and exported to global markets. Dinant employs 8,000 people, supports over 22,000 livelihoods, generates millions of US dollars in exports for the Honduran economy, and contributes significantly to all communities in which it operates.

    As part of its adherence to the Voluntary Principles on Security and Human Rights, Dinant has removed all firearms from security men and women at its plantations, extraction mills and manufacturing plants. Dinant rigorously benchmarks its operations against stringent international standards regarding the economic, environmental and social impact of its African Palm oil business. All Dinant facilities in Honduras have been awarded ISO 14000 and OHSAS 18001 status as a mark of their progress in environmental management and occupational health & safety.

    Tegucigalpa, Honduras, November 3, 2015
    Roger Pineda, roger.pineda@dinant.com , +(504) 2239-8800