Forced Child Labour in the Jewellery Industry
Forced Child Labour Used to Mine Stones and Minerals for Jewellery
A recently released World Vision report indicates forced and child labour is being used in mining jewellery’s raw materials and further down the supply chain children are used in jewellery production to cut and polish gem stones as well as make the jewellery. This exposes children to health risks such as respiratory damage, constant headaches, sight and hearing problems, joint and muscle ailments and neurological problems caused by mercury exposure, as well as injuries from flying rocks. These children have little or no chance of having any education and so become vulnerable to traffickers and further exploitation.
