Child slavery

 What do you know about child slavery?

Many of us, unconsciously, support child slavery. A tremendous number of famous companies uses the services of children, under disgraceful terms of employment. Even though many people believe that slavery no longer exists, an estimated five million children are in slavery worldwide, including in the UK. 

Did you know that 152 million children, aged between 5 to 17 are victims of child slavery? Did you know that one third of them do not recieve education? and Did you know that 15 million were in forced marriage? 

(International labour organization website)

Child slavery usually occurs in poor areas where children must work for their family's living. Children especially are being exploited due to their weakness- they are easily controlled and can't demand terms of employment and rights. 

In Lake Volta in Ghana, thousands of children work in the fishing industry. Foli, a twelve-year-old kid also testifies about the slavery at the lake: "Those who can't swim, they die. I'm mad when I see this. There is no rest. It is very dangerous for children... it is the children who suffer." Ten-year-old Gideon, says: "They have been telling us we are grownups. I don't like working at the lake. At times, I will say that I'm tired, but by force, we have to go." IJM (International Justice Mission) and the local authorities found and rescued these three boys.

(Testimonies from IJM website)

It’s hard to believe, but those children have no idea what a normal childhood looks like and what it actually means. A worldwide radical change must happen, and we should all do our best to raise awareness, support the organizations that are willing to help these children, and pray for a change.

Sources:

http://www.ilo.org/global/about-the-ilo/newsroom/news/WCMS_574717/lang--en/index.htm?ssSourceSiteId=ipec

https://www.ijm.org/