We consider ourselves blessed because we live in such a privileged country. We have equal rights and we are free to do and think as we please. We have the opportunity to have an education and get good jobs to provide for our families.
However, do you ever stop to think about what life might be like for those outside of our country?
There are thousands of people across the world that are enslaved. Children are often kidnapped or sold into slavery, with promises of better futures for them and their families but then sold to the sex trafficking industry, or stuck in child slavery for the rest of their lives. Families indebted to masters, never able to work enough to pay off their debt, or families stuck in desperate situations turn to unhealthy solutions.
According to Free the Slaves, slavery generates $150 billion for traffickers each year. There are tens of millions of people in slavery today, estimates are in 21-36 million are enslaved. Seventy-eight percent of slavery victims today are in labor slavery, 22 percent of slavery victims today are in sex slavery, and 26 percent of slaves today are children under the age of 18.
So often people are forced to make and move bricks for days, all day long, fish for hours in unhealthy circumstances, slaves forced to work in dangerous mines, forced to dye cloth and wool to be used for clothing, and so many other horrible situations. Families ripped apart and their lives taken away for the benefit of a higher power.
There are slaves and families all over the world that work behind the scenes to make the products you use and consume everyday. Do you ever stop to think where the things you use come from or how they are made? Products such as chocolate, coffee, and clothing are so often harvested and produced by slaves.
There are ways that we can stop this, but it takes everyone doing their part. There are many organizations that help buy slaves from situations they could not otherwise get themselves out of on their own. They are provided jobs in an industry they are trained to work in and are given better futures. Organizations provide education for children and help give them hope for a better future. Along side supporting organizations geared to help slaves, support companies and products that do not support slavery in the making of their products. Recycle, shop local, eat local, be smart and do your research. Know where your food is grown, where you clothes are made, and support slavery free products.
We are so blessed to have laws and regulations to protect us from these types of situations in our country, however not everyone is as lucky. Help spread education about how you can help bring an end to slavery and make our world a happier place for everyone.
Do your research, learn about slavery.
Click this ling for a list of companies and products that support and make slavery free products found through End Slavery Now.
Does not everyone deserve the same basic human rights? Why are some people considered less than others? What makes anyone think they are above someone else? Don't we all struggle with the same basic problems?
