In a new report, Swedwatch and Diakonia present findings from an investigation on the water-related human rights risks associated with the production of agricultural goods. It focuses on the Ica valley in Peru, and analyses how these risks are addressed by seven Swedish companies buying fresh vegetables from the area. While a surge in demand for asparagus, avocado and other vegetables has boosted economic growth and created jobs, increased pressure on freshwater resources has also led to an acute water crisis for Ica’s local communities. The agriculture sector which is dominated by the production of export crops accounts for up to 90 per cent of yearly groundwater extraction while residents in some areas only have access to water for a few hours every week...

The report also finds other forms of human rights risks associated with the large-scale production of fruits and vegetables, including labour rights violations at export farms... 

[The report] concludes that the companies’ follow-up of their suppliers’ compliance with human rights requirements is lacking and that they need to strengthen their processes for human rights due diligence...