|
Millions of women, children and men are in slavery throughout the
world - no region is exempt. At its root are poverty, vulnerability
and government failure to implement laws or develop effective legislation.
From 16-20 June, the United Nations Working Group on Contemporary
Forms of Slavery is meeting in Geneva, Switzerland.
Anti-Slavery International, the world's oldest international human
rights organisation, is presenting the following issues to the UN
and making recommendations to governments on action they need to
take to end this abuse:
Child trafficking to the United Arab Emirates: It is estimated
hundreds of boys between four and 10 are trafficked from South Asia
to the UAE each year to be camel jockeys. Despite a proclamation
in 2002 to stop this practice and punish offenders, child jockeys
continue to be used. Camel racing is dangerous and can cause serious
injury and even death. In the UAE it is illegal to employ a child
under 15.
Forced and bonded labour in India, Nepal and Pakistan: Millions
of men, women and children are used as bonded labour. Most are dalit
'low' caste or from indigenous or minority groups who are assigned
work deemed degrading by other castes. They often cannot earn enough
to live on, forcing them into bondage. Laws against this are not
enforced, those in need cannot free themselves and enslavers are
not prosecuted.
Forced labour and exploitation of Indonesian migrant workers:
Poverty and lack of opportunity in Indonesia have increased the
number of Indonesians seeking work in Asia. Indonesia's lack of
protection and the Government's existing system for women migrant
domestics exposes them to trafficking and slavery.
Forced labour and slavery in Sudan: An estimated 14,000
people have been abducted since 1983, yet the Government is failing
to take adequate steps to end raiding and slavery. Despite the scale
of the problem, in 2003 the UN Commission on Human Rights voted
not to extend the mandate of the Special Rapporteur on Sudan.
Slavery in Niger: A new survey found that of 11,000 people
surveyed, the vast majority are slaves in Niger; expected to work
without pay for their masters. The Government has recognised the
need to punish the use of slavery, a positive move that needs to
be implemented.
Support and protection for victims of trafficking: Many
people continue to suffer human rights abuses after they escape
their traffickers due to governments' failure to provide protection
and help. All countries of destination need to establish minimum
standards for protecting and supporting people who have been trafficked.
|
