The right against exploitation

Exploitation means taking unfair advantage of people, often by denying them respect, freedom and their rights.

It takes several forms:

• bonded labour: people forced to work without fair wages;
• human trafficking: people bought and sold for profit;
• abuse of women or children;
• child labour: children working instead of going to school, often in dangerous places.

Why do children need special protection?

• They depend on adults for their safety.
• They may not understand their rights.
• They may not be able to stand up for themselves.
• They may not know how to get help.

And the harm lasts. A working child loses education, play and a healthy childhood, which they need to grow and for their whole future.

The law makes it illegal to force anyone to work against their will or in unsafe conditions.

The rules for children:

• In general, children below 14 may not be employed.
• They may help in a family business that is not dangerous, but only during holidays or after school.
• Work in factories, mines or restaurants is banned, even if the family agrees.

Childline 1098 is the national helpline for children. It is easy to remember: just count backwards from 10.

It began in the late 1990s as an action project at an educational institution.

In 2015, a concerned citizen called 1098 about 20 children forced to work in a factory that embroidered clothes.

A team found them in a crowded, unhealthy room, given food only once a day, with no nourishment. The children were rescued and given medical care, and the culprits were arrested.

One phone call from a stranger made that happen.