@AP spoke to dozens of women on palm oil plantations who describe rapes, harassment and punishing physical effects of their brutal work, which feeds into top Western beauty brands.
Rape accusations are typically settled through “peace solutions” in which the victim’s family may be paid off. Sometimes, the victims’ parents force them to marry their rapists to lessen the shame, often after pregnancy occurs. 3/7
The AP used U.S. Customs records, product ingredient lists and the latest published data from producers, traders and buyers to link the laborers’ palm oil and its derivatives from the mills that process it to the supply chains of many big Western brands. 4/7
Female workers routinely carry out some of the industry’s most punishing jobs, lugging loads so heavy that their uteruses collapse and spraying dangerous pesticides wearing no protective gear. Most don’t have access to health care or can’t afford it. 5/7
Women interviewed by the @AP detailed a series of health issues, ranging from dizzy spells, nosebleeds, difficulty breathing and blurry vision, with activists saying some workers totally lost their sight. 6/7
@MargieMasonAP and @robinmcdowell spoke to dozens of women on palm oil plantations who describe rapes, harassment and punishing physical effects of their brutal work, which feeds into top beauty brands.
BREAKING: Joe Biden, in first remarks as president-elect, says "I pledge to be an American who seeks not to divide, but to unify." apne.ws/AwjgguA
@AP President-elect Joe Biden appeals to Trump voters in call for unity: "Let's give each other a chance."
Joe Biden will unveil a group of scientists and experts to help him craft a plan to tackle the coronavirus pandemic on Monday. Biden announced his plans to launch the COVID-19 task force during remarks at his victory party Saturday night.
The Associated Press declares Joe Biden the winner of a grueling campaign for the American presidency. He will lead a polarized nation through a historic collision of health, economic and social crises.
The victory for Biden, a former vice president who has spent nearly a half-century in public office, was also a repudiation of Trump, who has led the nation through a deeply divisive four years. #Election2020
In Pennsylvania, Trump's lead had slipped down to 326,000 by Wednesday afternoon. And the race is destined to get tighter.
A final vote total may not be clear for days because the use of mail in ballots, which take more time to process, has surged as a result of the pandemic.
Retired astronaut Mark Kelly is elected to the U.S. Senate from Arizona, scoring a key victory in Democrats' efforts to take over the chamber. #APracecall#Election2020
Kelly defeated Republican Martha McSally, who was appointed last year to finish the term of late Sen. John McCain. Kelly flew combat missions for the Navy during Operation Desert Storm and flew four missions for NASA to the International Space Station. apne.ws/I9p5iJ1
Kelly is the husband of former U.S. Rep. Gabrielle Giffords, who was shot in the head in an attempted assassination during a constituent event in Tucson in 2011. apne.ws/5BzvHXn