I missed this story two weeks ago, but it's worth a read for the latest statistics on human trafficking. Save the Children UK published a report in March of 2007 entitled The Small Hands of Slavery. This report received emphasis again at the inauguration of Liverpool's International Slavery Museum. See 5,000 child prostitutes 'live as slaves' in the UK – report.
The report states that 1.2 million children and babies are trafficked every year, including into Western Europe, the Americas and the Caribbean, and the number is increasing.
Gangs involved in child and people trafficking make an estimated profit of 32 billion dollars per year (£16 billion), the charity said.
Approximately 1.8 million children are being abused through prostitution, child pornography and sex tourism – and 75% of the UK's child prostitutes are girls.
The report states that youngsters often lose their childhood by being sold into adult relationships.
"Child marriage, which often includes mail order and internet brides, is one of the most widespread, yet hidden, forms of slavery," says the report.
"Girls as young as four are forced to live and have sex with their husband, and are often kept trapped indoors.
"Girls under 15 are five times more likely to die during pregnancy and childbirth than women over 20. In Afghanistan more than half of all girls are married before they are 16."
The report concludes that one million children risk their lives working in quarries across Africa, Asia and south America.
And that 300,000 under 15s are involved in fighting forces with an estimated 11,000 children being held by warring factions in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Jasmine Whitbread, Save the Children's chief executive, said: "Child slavery is not a historical phenomenon – it is a stark reality for millions of children in both poor and rich countries.
"Governments everywhere, including the UK, are not doing enough to respond to the plight of children in this inhumane situation.
"World leaders and international donors must act as a matter of urgency to address child slavery and put in place the laws and resources needed to eradicate these terrible practices."
These are stark statistics. Read the whole article and then get the report from The Small Hands of Slavery press release page or here on my site.
Popularity: 1% [?]
Unrest by Parkway Drive