Unfortunately, people intent on committing evil acts in the world often take advantage of those in poverty. They prey on the most vulnerable, children at risk.
Debt bondage is a common form of modern slavery and occurs when family members faced with hardship incur debt and a relative is forced to work to pay it off.
It’s unthinkable, but parents willingly or unwillingly hand over their child into the creditor’s employment for little or no pay. With no control over the repayment process, their child can be essentially enslaved for family debt. Single mothers are especially vulnerable to debt bondage schemes.
The worst forms of child labor put innocent children in danger of exploitation to physical, psychological or sexual abuse. These include illicit acts of slavery, trafficking, prostitution, drug dealing, pornography and even child soldiering.
Picture a child’s despair in these conditions. The separation. Confusion. Fear. These children need a reason to hope.