Pope Francis has spoken out against human traffickers, warning them that they will be held accountable for their crimes. He also pleaded on behalf of the tens of thousands of children around the world forced to work in degrading conditions on the eve of World Day Against Child Labor on Thursday.
“One day everything comes to an end and they will be held accountable to God,” the pope said about those responsible for human trafficking, slave labor and arms manufacturing during a general audience at the Vatican on Wednesdays, also calling them “merchants of death.”
The Roman Catholic Church leader pleaded for the “tens of thousands of children who are forced to work in degrading conditions, exposed to forms of slavery and exploitation, as well as abuse, mistreatment and discrimination.” He also called on the international community to “extend social protection for minors in order to weaken this scourge.”
He continued: “Let us renew our commitment, in particular in families, to guarantee to every boy and girl the protection for his or her dignity and the possibility of healthy growth. A serene childhood enables us to look trustfully upon life and to the future.”
The International Labor Organization says that the day is needed to stress the need for decent work for adults and compulsory and quality education for all children.
“We are moving in the right direction but progress is still too slow. If we are serious about ending the scourge of child labor in the foreseeable future, we need a substantial stepping-up of efforts at all levels.” Guy Ryder, ILO Director-General has said.
The International Labor Organization says that the day is needed to stress the need for decent work for adults and compulsory and quality education for all children.
“We are moving in the right direction but progress is still too slow. If we are serious about ending the scourge of child labor in the foreseeable future, we need a substantial stepping-up of efforts at all levels.” Guy Ryder, ILO Director-General has said.
