Child Slavery

I just finished watching a BBC documentary on child slavery. After the show, I was extremely disturbed. In this day and age, with so much attention on human and children rights, there are still millions of children who work back-breaking hours in sari factories in India or are serving men as prostitutes in Cambodia. Not only do they suffer physical damages, their psychological state is usually in shambles. When some of these children were first rescued, you see blankness in their eyes. I think many of them have given up on life. It pains me tremendously. I can't help but cry for them.

You may think that when these children are rescused and returned to their homes, they will be welcomed by their parents and family. The truth will sadden you. The parents are usually the ones who sold their children so that they have lesser mouths to feed. There was a woman who actually cried, 'Why have you return to make my life more miserable!' upon seeing her returning son. Many of the children who are featured in sheltered homes take a long time to trust people again as they are betrayed by the very people whom they trust the most - their parents. The worst kind of feeling one can ever have is hopelessness and this is how these abused children feel. Many of them rather live on the streets than go back home for fear of being sold again. They know the sad and cruel truth - they are unwanted and could be sold for a mere $25.

I am usually very rational and sensible but all of a sudden I had a very childlike wish - that all the governments in these countries will wake up and do something to stop poverty and in turn reverse these cruelties that are done unto innocent children. And that the evil-doers will be punished and these children will be freed and go on to lead a decent and healthy life. I have a soft spot for children, not because of anything else but the fact that they are vulnerable and dependent on us adults to give them hope and a life that is worth living. They did not asked to be in this world. We bring them here, so it is our responsibility to keep them safe.

Every time I read or hear about children being abused, I say a prayer for them, that they will find some reasons to move on, that they will seek comfort in God and in reliable people who can help them to learn to trust again.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/programmes/this_world/6458377.stm