The Business Social Compliance Initiative (BSCI) has voiced its support for human rights activist Andy Hall, as the Briton is set to begin his trial in which he faces charges brought by Thailand's Natural Fruit Company.

The BSCI - an initiative of the Foreign Trade Association (FTA) - unites more than 1,300 companies including many European retailers, importers and brand companies. 

"The Business Social Compliance Initiative (BSCI) expresses great concern about civil and criminal charges pressed by Thai-based Natural Fruit Company against activist Andy Hall," the organization said in a statement.

"These charges pertain to his actions in reporting labour abuses at the premises of the pineapple producer in a report called "Cheap has a High Price", published by Finnish NGO Finnwatch."

In the report, Hall alleged the Natural Fruit Company had employed underage labor and confiscated the passports of migrant workers from Myanmar.

A petition to drop the charges against Hall has reached over 300,000 signatures, and on Friday Great Britain's Ethical Trading Initiative (ETI) joined Scandinavian importer group United Nordic in a public plea for more dialogue and engagement when human rights allegations are raised in Thailand.

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The BSCI added that the actions taken by the Thai producer 'will only have a negative impact on the country's industry and consumers' trust'.

The organization also stressed the need for cooperation rather than litigation, saying Hall's accusations of the treatment of migrant workers must be addressed.

"BSCI acknowledges the essential role NGOs play in ensuring the protection of workers' rights, and engages regularly with different stakeholders to create synergies and deepen impact.

"For this reason, BSCI joins the international motion calling on the Thai pineapple industry to drop charges against Mr. Hall and to engage in a constructive dialogue that addresses the accusations raised in the report."

The BSCI says constructive cooperation, support and dialogue are its main core values, and it believes 'these should be the principles guiding this case'.

The prosecution will take place for the first three days from Sept. 2-4, followed by the defense's case on Sept. 5, 9 and 10.

A second, more serious, criminal case will begin on Sept. 15 which may carry a sentence of seven years in jail, while Hall and his legal team have requested an extension until October on the civil case which carries a potential penalty of US$10 million in damages.

Photo: Flickr, ECohen

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