Slave Trade in China
March 22, 2003
The slave trade is not only a black on black issue but can also be found in
China. There, babies and children are routinely sold to others for money.
The children become property of their new owners and are expected to work
and service their masters, sometimes sexually. After they grow up, many are
forced to work in factories for little or no pay and in intolerable
conditions.
To illustrate this problem:
In March 2003, Chinese police in southwestern China
found 28 baby girls hidden in suitcases on a long distance bus. The babies
were just a few days old and were drugged to keep them quiet. They were
traveling for about 4-5 hours before they were found. One baby died by the
time they were found.
The babies were destined to be sold. Twenty suspects
were found and arrested. They were mostly middle-aged women.
China is quick to condemn others for atrocities and
human rights, but it has many problems of its own, including slavery. Though
Chinese law makes it illegal, the practice continues and involves thousands
of women and children every year.
China needs to put slavery on its agenda and stop it.
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