The Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO) is facing mounting pressure to take decisive action against persistent human rights abuses linked to palm oil production in Liberia. At the center of this controversy is the Liberian company Mano Palm Oil Industries, which has been accused of violating labor rights, displacing communities, and damaging the environment, despite being a member of the RSPO, an organization that claims to uphold ethical and sustainable standards in the palm oil sector. Critics argue that RSPO’s failure to enforce its own principles undermines its credibility and allows exploitative practices to continue unchecked.
Local communities near Mano Palm Oil’s operations have reported land grabs, inadequate compensation, and a lack of consultation, leading to the erosion of livelihoods and cultural ties to ancestral land. Workers have also raised concerns about poor working conditions, low wages, and limited access to protective equipment. These allegations paint a troubling picture of a company operating with impunity under the guise of sustainability. Civil society groups and human rights advocates have called on RSPO to suspend Mano Palm Oil’s membership and conduct a thorough investigation into its practices.
The situation in Liberia reflects a broader challenge facing the global palm oil industry: the gap between sustainability pledges and on-the-ground realities. While RSPO certification is meant to signal responsible production, the lack of accountability mechanisms has allowed some companies to exploit the system for reputational gain without meaningful reform. This has prompted calls for stronger enforcement, greater transparency, and more inclusive decision-making that centers the voices of affected communities.
As the demand for palm oil continues to grow, so too does the urgency to ensure that its production does not come at the expense of human dignity and environmental integrity. The RSPO must rise to the occasion by holding its members accountable and reaffirming its commitment to ethical standards. Anything less risks turning sustainability into a hollow promise and betraying the very communities it claims to protect.