As I said once before in a blog, when many Americans hear the word “slavery,” they think of African Americans being freed after the Civil War. But unfortunately, slavery is still very much a part of the world today.
While researching the SlaveryFootprint.org website, I ran across the Anti-Slavery website. Anti-Slavery points out that although slavery was prohibited by the UN in 1848’s Universal Declaration of Human Rights, slavery still exists today. Modern slavery includes many different things – prostitution, bonded labor, trafficking, slavery by descent, child labor, forced labor, and forced marriage. The site estimates that as many as 126 million children are performing child labor that harms both their health and welfare.
The site tells the story or Ricardo. He was forced to pick tomatoes in Florida. His “employer” charged him for food and rent – even though his housing was being locked in a van – and he fell into debt because of it. He only got away when he escaped through the ventilation hatch of a truck – more than a year after being forced into this type of slavery.
Leelu Bai talks of how she married into bonded labor. Her husband’s family had been bonded to the same landlord for over three generations. She worked from 6 a.m. until 7 p.m. or later each day. She was told if she went to work for anyone else, her landlord would beat her. She eventually escaped.
The site attempts to raise awareness of slavery around the world, educate the public, and work with businesses to promote free trade.
What can you do to not support slavery? One thing is to purchase products that are clearly marked as fair trade. The site also encourages you to write letters to local retain chain executives, asking that they get involved in getting rid of forced labor by working closely with trade unions, governments, and international agencies.
You can also join the campaign network, donate to Anti-Slavery, attend local events, organize events in your community, create or join an anti-slavery group, offer support through social networking, and volunteer.