Joint Human Rights Impact Assessment Progress Update

This document is a progress update on the Joint Human Rights Impact Assessment (HRIA) conducted by M&S and Waitrose within the Kenyan smallholder tea supply chain. The HRIA was commissioned in 2021 to address human rights challenges in the tea sector, particularly in the context of Covid-19. The assessment aimed to engage with smallholder farmers, hired laborers, and factory workers to develop an evidence-based action plan. The update outlines the agreed actions and progress made in response to the findings from the Partner Africa report. Key recommendations include evaluating living incomes, strengthening financial knowledge, enhancing worker representation, and increasing awareness of gender-based violence and women's rights. The document details specific initiatives undertaken by M&S and Waitrose, such as collaborations with KTDA and Farm Africa, to implement these recommendations and improve the livelihoods of those in the supply chain. It also highlights challenges faced during implementation and priorities for the upcoming years.