Modern Day Slavery
Bonded labour is a complex and difficult issue, with various manifestations in different countries, and ingrained within a countries' culture and particular history. There is not even a common definition of what it is. The power of some employers, or 'masters' in the older context, to keep their workers enslaved through a system of debt bondage or force them and often their family members to work is based on the absolute poverty and powerlessness of parts of society which leaves them vulnerable to exploitation. In some cases it is a remnant of a feudal system of landlords buying and selling 'serfs' to work their land. In others, it reflects an age-old caste system between the have and the have-nots, while in other cases it is a more recent development spurred by the growing demand for women and children in the sex trade, and the increased migration of workers in the new global economy.
What is clear in every case is that it is universally acknowledged as an intolerable form of slavery for which every effort to eradicate it must be made. It is ironic that despite so many International Labour Organisation and other international conventions and instruments aimed at extinguishing this form of exploitation, the situation remains grave.
In the US, a Bill banning imports on goods made by forced or bonded child labourers was introduced on October 1, 1997, and is likely to pass. However, this will only affect goods made for export and may be very difficult to enforce. In some cases, the focus on child bonded labour has developed into a North-South argument, with many Southern governments responding that the international attention is merely a protectionist measure to cut down on foreign exports. They often adopt superficial responses to alleviate foreign buyers' concerns without really addressing the root causes of the problems. Even though campaigns and bans on imports may be initiated with good intentions, only concerted efforts to provide education, meaningful jobs for parents, and enforcing existing laws will effectively end this exploitation.
As laws protecting many of these workers are already in place, holistic efforts to implement and enforce these laws must be made. Commitments to eradicate this problem must be taken by governments. Fines and penalties should be stiffened to show that the government is serious about enforcement, and changing this long-standing practice.
Further, efforts to raise the awareness of bonded labourers and organise them can lead to these workers gaining the power and ability to fight for themselves to eradicate the system keeping them in bondage. For example, in Nepal, the organising of the Kamaiyas has led to significant successes in liberating these agricultural workers. However, changing these long-standing, culturally ingrained practices is a difficult task, and must be met with the political power and will to change.
Contents
Feature: Slavery in 1997 1
Regional Roundup 25
Resources Update 28
Index i-iv