Human Rights Due Diligence in Brazil's Sugarcane Sector: from Within the Supply Chain to a Landscape Approach

The Brazilian sugarcane sector, a cornerstone of the global economy, stands at a pivotal moment. Sugarcane is not only a source of sugar, ethanol, and bioenergy, but also a symbol of Brazil’s role in feeding and fueling the world. Yet, as demand for sustainable and ethical production grows, the sector faces a decisive challenge: moving beyond compliance to address systemic human rights risks that affect workers, communities, smallholders and the environment.

It is in this context that the Human Rights Spotlight Programme was created — a joint commitment by the Bonsucro Impact Fund, Nestlé, Barry Callebaut, General Mills, ASR, and Hershey’s, led by Proforest and Imaflora. The programme was designed around a clear theory of change, which sets out how step-by-step improvements at the mill level, combined with collaboration across the wider landscape, can drive [ACdSL1] systemic transformation. From the outset, gender has been considered a key lens, ensuring that both risks and actions address the specific realities faced by women in the sugarcane sector.

One of the programme’s flagship achievements has been the launch of the Human Rights Spotlight website (www.humanrightspotlight.net) — a practical online toolkit that helps companies operationalise Human Rights Due Diligence (HRDD). The toolkit brings HRDD down to earth with simple, usable resources: six concise briefing notes,[ACdSL2] [TF3]  online training modules, and tools for root cause analysis and action planning,. For companies navigating complex human rights expectations, it provides not just guidance, but a roadmap.

Importantly, the programme goes beyond raising awareness. It focuses on embedding HRDD practices directly into supply chains and strengthening the capacity of mills and their partners to act on human rights risks. Tangible Impact an Measurable Progress

In[ACdSL4]  just three years, the programme has generated evidence of real change:

• Capacity building: 127 participants from 13 different mill sectors took part in HRDD risk and action workshops. Of these, 40% were women and 60% men, with engagement spanning every level of responsibility — 10% strategic, 38% managerial, and 52% operational.

• Practical outputs: Three participating mills in São Paulo and Pernambuco hosted six in-person workshops, each leading to the development of tailored HRDD action plans. In total, seven action plans are now guiding on-the-ground improvements.

• Behavioural change: Evaluation results show the power of these interventions. 90% of participants reported learning new tools to address human rights risks, 89% feel more confident applying HRDD in practice, and 90% are committed to implementing their action plans.

By applying a gender lens throughout, the programme has not only trackedwomen’s participation but also identify inequalities in representation, in roles and occupations, and in the recognition of women as smallholder heads of households. Integrating these insights into action plans has allowed collective action to address gender-specific vulnerabilities within and beyond the supply chain.

These numbers matter because they demonstrate that HRDD is no longer an abstract concept — it is becoming part of the daily operations of mills in Brazil’s most important sugarcane regions[ACdSL5] .

Addressing Systemic Challenges

However[ACdSL6] , while progress at the mill level is critical, the programme has also highlighted [ACdSL7] regional systemic challenges that extend far beyond individual supply chains. Among the most pressing are:

• Low visibility of suppliers and service providers, which creates blind spots for companies trying to assess risks.

• Limited grievance mechanisms, which need to evolve beyond mill-level solutions to become robust, sector-wide systems accessible to all workers.

• Climate risks, such as extreme heat and water scarcity, not only threaten production but also directly impact workers’ health and safety.

These findings make clear that HRDD must be understood in a broader context. Climate change, for instance, is not only an environmental issue but also a human rights concern. A worker harvesting cane in extreme heat faces risks that are both immediate and systemic. Addressing these challenges requires cross-cutting strategies that integrate human rights, sustainability, and resilience.

Another insight emerging from the programme is the role of finance. Responsible finance mechanisms — such as premiums for sustainable production — could become a lever for change by rewarding mills and suppliers that invest in climate resilience and robust HRDD systems. Aligning financial incentives with measurable progress creates a virtuous cycle where profitability, sustainability, and respect for human rights reinforce one another.

Towards a collaborative landscape approach

Perhaps [ACdSL8] the most important lesson so far is that the journey of HRDD cannot stop at the mill gate. Many of the most pressing issues are systemic and require collective action. That is why the programme is calling for a collaborative landscape-level approach that brings together all relevant actors:

• Mills must continue deepening HRDD practices, while expanding participation to new regions and companies.

• Local governments have a central role in shaping and enforcing policies that protect human rights and create the enabling conditions for change.

• Value chain actors, including port terminals and logistics providers, must also be part of the conversation to ensure HRDD covers the entire journey from field to export.

• Workers, communities, and smallholders must be meaningfully included, ensuring that the transition to more sustainable practices is also a just transition that promotes shared positive impact to all.

What this programme has shown is that systemic change is possible when diverse stakeholders work together. The goal is not to shift blame but to strengthen the effectiveness and consistency of human rights practices across the sector.

Through collaboration, capacity building, and a commitment to shared values, Brazil’s sugarcane sector can move towards a future where human rights, resilience, and sustainability are not competing priorities, but mutually reinforcing pillars.

The Human Rights Spotlight Programme is just one step on this journey — but it demonstrates that with the right tools, partnerships, and vision, the sector can transform itself into a model of just and sustainable production for the world.