I've been wanting to do a blog about Modern Slavery, after all I'm supporting the Walk Free Organization through my social media accounts and now the opportunity presents itself its BLOG ACTION DAY.
When I saw a video about modern slavery I was surprised to know that millions and millions of people are enslave in this modern world where almost everything is run by technology. I thought slavery only existed in the past era. It struck me that there are different forms of slavery that are very familiar to us. Human trafficking, Forced Labor, Child Labor, Sex Slavery, Forced Child Marriage, Domestic workers abuse, debt bondage and the list goes on. It is also alarming to know that slavery exist globally, I even read some cases in my own country The Philippines and here in Thailand where I am working. USA and UK have slavery cases too, in which I realize being a developed country many people are drawn to work and find a better job and bigger salary with these counties. In which they might fall victim to slavery. I think every country has cases like this, you can refer to this site for better understanding.
http://www.globalslaveryindex.org/findings/?gclid=Cj0KEQjwtvihBRCd8fyrtfHRlJEBEiQAQcubtKKogW-d_yPtLrUqM2vBziNkELmsTpWeJkOH1bTe6vQaAmnB8P8HAQ#overview
In slavery comes inequality.
Let me share some cases about modern slavery that we have.
*The exploitation of migrant workers in the construction of the 2022 Qatar Wold Cup.
The migrant workers are being promised for a good job and better salary to help their families but instead they are being abuse to work with no proper shelter, no proper food and water. Their salaries are retained and their passports are confiscated to stop them from escaping. According to The Guardian the "Wold Cup construction will leave 4,000 migrant workers dead" and who knows it may be more than that if the Qatar government will not do something about it. Nepalese are the most in numbers to this slavery. I know a lot of migrant workers came from a poor country. Many died already and there will be more if this continues. The inhumane treatment for these migrant workers only shows inequality in race, status and life. If they are being treated fairly there will be no slavery. If their employers see them equally they will not experience all this brutality.
(being a fan of the World Cup this is a devastating news)
Refer to this site for more information: http://www.theguardian.com/world/2013/sep/25/revealed-qatars-world-cup-slaves
*Forced Child labor and Forced Child Marriage
"Children are the hope of our future"
Children who are forced to work long hours in mines, fields, constructions and even in bars and restaurants. They are forced to work in hazardous and abusive environment. According to International Labor Organization an estimated of 8.4 million children in slavery (ILO 2002).
I saw a report about Child slavery in "Chocolate industry". While we are enjoying the sweetness of the chocolate and the candy bars (from famous brands) these children don't even know what a chocolate looks like and what does it taste like. All they know is to work hard on those cocoas and earn money for their family.
http://thecnnfreedomproject.blogs.cnn.com/2012/01/19/child-slavery-and-chocolate-all-too-easy-to-find/
Children as young as 8 are working long hours in mines. Mining is one of the most hazardous and extremely dangerous work for children. It is dangerous enough for adults so how much more it is for children. Imagine the hard work these youngsters are doing. Digging above the ground under the blazing sun, going down to underground mines risking their lives to explosion, rock fall and toxic gases.
The problem is, the families of these youngsters are also involved in the work. I think its one factor that leave them no choice but to work.
Forced and Child marriages is prevalent to some countries since it is part of their culture. Girls at the age of 10 -18 are forced to marry men twice or thrice their age. This practice entrap young girls to a life of misery. It takes away their right to live and deprive them to basic human rights.
These children have the right to live way they want, to be at school, to play, learn and explore. To be free of any responsibilities that is weighing on their shoulders. I know they are "just" children and we may think they can do nothing, but I believe that these children are the hope of our future and they can do wonders if we guide them and see them equally, trust them to strive hard and make a difference in this world.
Zippofippo
note:
you can sign up to Walk Free Organization
and help fight Modern Slavery
http://www.walkfree.org/
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