(3 minutes read)
· Camellia Group, the UK based company has agreed to settle legal claims of Kenyan and Malawian women on account of the gross human rights abuses including alleged rape
· The allegations were against guards of the firm who were accused of committing gender based atrocities, such as killings, rape and other forms of sexual acts
· As the settlement cost, the company will have to pay up to £4.6million for the Kenyan claims and £2.3m against the Malawian claims.
Camellia Group, the UK based company has agreed to settle legal claims of Kenyan and Malawian women on account of the gross human rights abuses including alleged rape. The allegations were against guards of the firm who were accused of committing gender based atrocities, such as killings, rape and other forms of sexual acts.
The Macadamia, tea and avocado company owned by the British parent company Camellia Group, paid a total of over US$9.7 million to 85 women in Muranga County in central Kenya and Mulanje and Thyolo districts of Malawi.
Camellia Plc and certain UK subsidiary companies faced legal claims in the UK on account of the allegations against two businesses in its African operations, namely Kakuzi in Kenya and EPM in Malawi. The company announced the legal claims against it in January 2020. These claims have now been resolved. As the settlement cost, the company will have to pay up to £4.6million for the Kenyan claims and £2.3m against the Malawian claims.
Camellia Group has also resolved to address similar issues that are caused by the misconduct of workers. Apart from that, the company stated it would build new roads and employ safety marshals to provide security to communities and workers. Specific steps towards improving safety for female employees, facilitating community amenities and training programs for its employees etc are some other measures being contemplated by the company to enhance its community outreach program. The British company, by taking these measures, intend to build strong linkages with thousands of smallholding farmers who rely on Kakuzi to get their avocados to market.
