Child labour
Md. Harisur Rahman Department of Anthropology, JU
How many times we have to count our children in the airport after experiencing a great ordeal in the Gulf States like the United Arab Emirates? What about the international organisations that are very concerned about child labour in third world countries? What would be result if similar incidents took place in the western world? Is it not child labour or slavery? It is surprising that amusement like camel race is not considered as industry of child abuse. Let me ask the camel race organisers a plain question: why don't you use your own children as camel jockey? If your children are very dear to you why do you use other country's children for your amusement? Are not they very dear to their parents? We know, some boys are so young that they have to be tied onto the camel. Only owners get money or prizes for winning, the children get nothing. Most camel jockeys are under 10; they are seen as too heavy at 15. We do not know how many boys have died and how many were seriously injured. Despite this harsh reality they are being used as a tourist attraction. So, what can our government do? Why don't we raise this issue in international forums? We have to make our voice heard against this heinous crime so that we can accuse those perpetrators and bring them to justice in the court like ICJ.
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