The issue of child slavery is nothing new; it has been making headlines for some time now. In general as a society we have become more open and aware of the issues, and if you ask someone do they know about modern slavery. However while the statistics following child slavery are shocking, not enough is being done both domestically and globally to bring it to an end. One reason is that we live in a world of denial…“it doesn’t happen to here…”, or “it couldn’t happen to me or someone I know”, but the reality is that it does happen here, and it could happen to anyone.
There is no stereotypical face of slavery, for the chains of modern slavery can bind anyone, of any gender, race, religion or age. Those bound by slavery do not have to cross borders to be victimized, for one can be exploited within their own home, community, as well as half across the globe. Modern slavery comes in many shapes and forms, such as; child soldiers, forced labor through debt bondage, and forced prostitution or sex slavery. Over 300 million of those victimized are children who are subjected to hazardous physical labor, commercial sex exploitation, and child trafficking.
According to the International Labour Organization (ILO) there are estimated 165 million children between the ages of 5 and 14 actively involved in child labor. Children are often forced to work long hours and are often forced to work in harsh and dangerous conditions.
Some 300,000 children are used child soldiers worldwide. They are used as combatants, messengers, porters, cooks, and sex slaves in some 30 countries. Children are most often forcibly recruited or abducted, or feel so helpless and overwhelmed by poverty they are driven to join the fight.
We have remained silent in the dark for too long and the plague that is child slavery needs your action. You can click here to take a stand now against child slavery and exploitation and demand that governments protect and uphold the basic rights of all children.
