The European Union’s Deforestation-Free Products Regulation (EUDR) is facing pushback from various sectors, including within the EU and from external trading partners. The regulation requires companies to ensure that imported or exported commodities have been produced in conditions that respect environmental and land laws, and were farmed on land that was not deforested after 2020. This regulation is crucial in addressing the pressing issue of deforestation, as commercial agriculture is a major driver of deforestation globally.
The EUDR aims to shed light on long supply chains that often obscure human rights violations, such as trafficking of children in cocoa plantations or forced displacement of Indigenous peoples by logging companies. Voluntary pledges have proven to be insufficient in addressing these issues, as companies often fail to comply without penalties for non-compliance and binding rules to ensure fair competition. The implementation of the EUDR will require significant effort and resources, but it is essential for driving sustainable transformation in supply chains and protecting the rights of impacted communities.
While some countries like Brazil have been vocal critics of the EUDR, others are quietly making progress in improving traceability and ensuring deforestation-free products for export to the EU. The law is urgently needed to hold companies and trading partners accountable for their impact on deforestation and human rights violations. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen must publicly support the regulation and ensure its timely implementation, as delays would only prolong the suffering of communities affected by deforestation.
For Indigenous communities on the front lines of deforestation, the EUDR cannot come soon enough. Communities in Malaysian Borneo are facing eviction and destitution as they fight to preserve their ancestral lands from logging companies. This regulation is essential in protecting these communities and ensuring that products imported to the EU are not linked to deforestation and human rights abuses. It is crucial for von der Leyen to uphold the EU’s commitment to sustainability and environmental protection by fully supporting the EUDR and ensuring its effective enforcement.
The EUDR is a critical step towards addressing the environmental and human rights implications of global supply chains. Companies and trading partners must adhere to the regulations to prevent further deforestation and protect vulnerable communities from exploitation. The EU must show leadership in implementing the EUDR and holding accountable those responsible for deforestation and human rights violations. By upholding the EUDR, the EU can lead the way in promoting sustainable practices and protecting the planet for future generations.
