How to Help a Child Slave

In early 2007, there were more than 27 million slaves in the world, both children and adults--more than there ever has been. Many children all over the world are kidnapped and forced to work as laborers or sex workers. Often, they are born into families who are enslaved or they are even sold to slave dealers by their poverty-stricken families. You can take action to help end child slavery.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

1. Learn about child slavery. Despite the fact that slavery is illegal everywhere, over 8 million children were enslaved in early 2007. Usually removed from their families, they work long hours in dangerous occupations and receive only minimal food, clothing and shelter for their efforts. The Anti-Slavery Society website provides information and resources on child slavery.
2. Support efforts to end child slavery. Join forces with an organization working to end slavery, such as the Anti-Slavery Society or Free the Slaves. Volunteer for an organization, or simply donate money to one if you don't have the time to spare.
3. Become an informed consumer and purchase Fair Trade certified products whenever possible. Child slaves work in all industries but are especially prevalent in the silk, cotton, diamond, cocoa and rug industries.
4. Realize that sex tourism helps to perpetuate child slavery. Many sex workers are slaves, and many are actually children, even if they appear to be adults. This is true in the United States as well as in other countries, with the highest percentage of child sex workers in Thailand.
5. Share your knowledge with others. Many people think slavery no longer occurs and don't even know that its an issue that needs their attention. Alert people to the problem, both individually and through the media. The more people who understand the problem, the more successful the efforts to end child slavery will be.