I don’t often write about issues regarding the labor aspect of products…not because it is not important, but because it is so difficult to get information on labor practices that all I can do is indicate those products that make a point to note their fair trade practices.
A reader sent me this list of websites regarding child and aduly slave labor that I want to share with you. Slave labor violates basic human rights. We should all be aware of this issue and do what we can to stop it.
According to the Fisek Institute Science & Actions Foundation for Child Labor:
There are 1,5 billion children living in the world who are in the age range of 5-17 according to the offiicial numbers. Among them 317 million are engagaed in economic activity while 217 million are considered as child workers. 126 million child workers fall in the category of “Hazardous Labour” and 8 million children fall in the category of “Worst Forms of Child Labour” which means they act in prostitution, sell drugs, become a part of crime rings, involve in armed conflict, perform in pornography and get trafficked.
Map of distribution of child slave labor worldwide
Many of the websites on Debra’s List make a point to know the labor practices of their products and choose products that are “fair-traded”. By choosing to purchase these products, we support fair pay and good working conditions.
Look for this symbol on Debra’s List to find fair-trade products.
These websites more than adequately describe the problem…
The Global Exchange
http://www.globalexchange.org
Dedicated to promoting environmental, political, and social justice around the world.
SWEATSHOPWATCH.org
http://www.sweatshopwatch.org
A coalition of labor, community, civil rights, immigrant rights, women’s, religious & student organizations, and individuals committed to eliminating sweatshop conditions in the global garment industry.
Campaign for Labor Rights
http://campaignforlaborrights.org
Works to inform and mobilize grassroots activists in solidarity with major, international anti-sweatshop struggles. Has been called the “grassroots mobilizing department” of the anti-sweatshop movement. Its campaigns and strategy are designed in solidarity and collaboration with workers struggling to gain the right to organize, the right to earn a living wage in a clean, safe work environment, and the right to bargain collectively with their bosses.
National Consumers League
http://www.natlconsumersleague.org
Mission is to identify, protect, represent, and advance the economic and social interests of consumers and workers. Provides government, businesses, and other organizations with the consumer’s perspective on concerns including child labor, privacy, food safety, and medication information.
Maquila Solidarity Network
http://www.maquilasolidarity.org
A Canadian network promoting solidarity with groups in Mexico, Central America, and Asia organizing to improve conditions and win a living wage.
Anti- Slavery International
The world’s oldest international human rights organization, founded in 1839. They work at local, national and international levels to eliminate the system of slavery around the world.
iAbolish
http://iabolish.com
A project of the American Anti-Slavery Group (AASG), a grassroots organization founded to combat slavery around the world.
Clean Clothes Campaign
http://www.cleanclothes.org
Aims to improve working conditions in the worldwide garment industry by organizing, in each country, coalitions of consumer organizations, trade unions, human rights and women rights organizations, researchers, solidarity groups and activists. Gives details of labor violations of major companies.
The National Labor Committee
http://www.nlcnet.org
A human rights advocacy group, dedicated to promoting and defending the rights of workers. Educates and actively involves the public in actions aimed at ending labor abuses, improving living conditions for workers and their families and promoting the concept of a living wage and true independent monitoring.
Global March Against Child Labor
http://www.globalmarch.org
Website has info about current status of child labour, including slavery, trafficking, child prostitution / pornography, children used in crime, child soldiers, & child servants. Gives insight to key issues regarding the world’s neglected children.
Stolen Dreams – Photos of Child Labor
Photographs that raise questions concerning child slave labor.
Educate the Children
http://www.etc-nepal.org
Conducts educational and community development projects in Nepal which promote self-help and local initiative.
US Labor Education in the Americas Project
http://www.usleap.org
A non-profit organization that’s upports economic justice and basic rights for workers in Central America, Colombia, Ecuador, and Mexico. Focuses especially on the struggles of those workers who are employed directly or indirectly by U.S. companies.
Child Labor Awareness
http://childlabor.typepad.com
Blog dedicated to the sole purpose of preventing child labor in the 21st Century, which collects the latest news and information on the subject.
Co-Op American Sweatshops
http://www.coopamerica.org
Urges consumers to buy goods from companies that do not use slave labor. Offers practical tips and resources to end sweatshops and promote Fair Trade. Can search on database of green businesses for fair trade.
