11.14.05
INDIA: Anglo-Dutch multinational Unilever has been accused by several non-governmental organizations (NGOs) of permitting child labor. Accusers claim 20,000 underage workers, primarily girls ages 6-14, are employed at farms in the Indian state of Andra Pradesh. The NGOs said they are involved in heavy and prolonged work producing cottonseed for Para Extra Growth Seed, of which Hindustan Lever has a 26% stake. Unilever admitted to the child labor abuse and promised to meet with the NGOs as soon as possible.