UNICEF: One Million Children are in Prisons
This report is the first of its kind that shows that children have no rights and the magnitude of the problem that children do not posses any human rights. Many suffer from physical as well as psychological abuse, with far reaching repercussions that can never be entirely, or in some cases not at all, healed. “Children are especially endangered because they are so easily exploited and in many countries of the world they constitute cheap labor” reports Sylvia Trsek, Press speaker of UNICEF-Austria.
The report shows very well the magnitude, horror and the abuse of the rights of children worldwide. 150 Million Children under the age of 15 years did not go to school because they have to go to work. 51 Million Children, especially in African countries such as Somalia and Liberia, are not registered at birth, which of course lowers their chance at a school place and makes them totally vulnerable to criminal exploitation.
Over 18 Million children grow up in families that were forced to leave their homes due to war and catastrophe.
Certain problems affect especially girls. In 29 countries female genital mutilation is still practiced and each 3rd girl in developing countries is married as a child.
The fight against female genital mutilation has shown some slight improvement. “Massive reeducation programs and the activities of various women’s organizations in these countries have achieved this” so Trsek.
The increasing international pressure of governments has helped as well. But the exploitation of children is mostly invisible. “Many work as servants, or in the farming industry“.
We can only achieve lasting changes here when there is strong pressure via large industrial companies and the consumers of the industrialized nations. “Maybe the best possible recourse for a normal person to help these children is to buy products that are flagged as “fair trade” says the UNICEF representative.
Big Action through a small Action
In my opinion it is never said often enough how much power we consumers actually possess. If we buy a product with the “Fair Trade Seal” we chose a product of high quality and at the same time we ensure that the living and working conditions of the people involved are fair. That they are paid fairly and that no child has been exploited. More than 7,5 Million people – tiny farms and workers already profit from the fair trade conditions because “Fairtrade” it a very effective method of cooperation for developing nations.
It’s sometimes hard to believe how much real influence we have in the whole circle of abuse, just by becoming more conscious shoppers/consumers, especially in connection with the message of this article against child abuse. But it is a fact. If each and every one of us makes our contribution to fair trade, we will create a future for all of us that affirms Life.
