Are WE promoting Child Labour?

 

How many times have we spoken about Child Labour, how many times have we pitied a child begging, How many times have we complained about Organized Begging, And How many times  have we given money to those child beggars. Giving children those loose bucks could be the most destructive things you can do to them. It’s not generous!! In fact, it’s most harmful possible. The reason to not give money to child beggars is much deeper.

  Organized begging is one of the most visible forms of human trafficking and is largely financed and enabled by good hearted people who just want to help. Roughly 60,000 children disappear each year according to official statistics. The lost children do not get help to unite with their families but are forced to work as beggars. Many of the street children who have run away from home have done so because they were beaten or sexually abused. Tragically, their homelessness can lead to further abuse through exploitative child labour and prostitution. The common jobs for these children are collecting of plastic and waste, street vending, begging, prostitution & domestic labour. If the children are too old to beg or are not any good, they are put forward to do other jobs.

These children aren't allowed to keep their earnings, are often starved so that they look gaunt and cry. And since disabled child beggars get more money they are hurt and amputated. To prevent children from running away, traffickers often keep the kids addicted to opium or drugs.

  Now, how do we know if a child beggar or worker is a victim of organized trafficking? The answer is- Actually, we do not need to know; giving money or buying stuff from children is always a bad idea. Doing that is as good as promoting Child Labour.

So people, next time you pity some kid begging and you decide to pay or you see a child selling something and you want to buy it with a good intention to HELP. For God’s Sake!! You are not helping, you are increasing the chances of more children disappearing, and you are increasing the chances of another lost kid not finding his /her family. OK, and you think if it is a good bargain and you want to make the purchase, think again. A child’s future? Not a Good Bargain at all.

  

  Again, I know looking at children straight in the eye and walking past is difficult. Not giving them money or not purchasing from them doesn't mean we turn our backs on them. You can always offer them food & water, these children are often hungry, thirsty and sick; offer medical help if possible. If you give them food or water, make sure it is not sealed, always open the packs before you hand it over so that it cannot be re-cashed or resold. Look for better ways to be kind to them. Be generous, but play your part in stopping Child Labour…. Make a Difference!