I watched a disturbing documentary on the harvesting of coco beans in the Ivory Coast by young children. These nameless 12-14 year olds are victims of human trafficking so that global corporations can pad their bottom line. They work with no pay, against their will. Victims of greed.
The irony is that a number of these mega corporations have signed a global agreement to ensure integrity within their supply chain. The reality is that they turn a blind eye, and claim ignorance, when their profitability is at stake.
What is troublesome to me is the exploitation of children around the world, for money. These victims are exploited in the coco fields of the Ivory Coast, the silkworm farms in India, and as child prostitutes and sex workers, in Brazil and the Ukraine.
Whatever happened to human dignity, and protecting the weak? How can money be that important? Think about that the next time you buy a designer brand, or bite into a savory piece of chocolate.
About Hemant Rustogi