Don't Trade Lives this Easter
As we approach Easter and remember the death and resurrection of Jesus
of Nazareth, we are reminded again of the consumerist madness of the
sale of untold amounts of chocolate that we 'must' buy for our family
and children. Whilst there is something I like about the idea of giving
at times like Christmas and Easter, in these days when we are made more
aware than ever of the consequences of our purchasing choices, we need
also be aware of the power that we have to exercise our choices wisely,
in ways that will benefit the most vulnerable people in the world.
If we are going to buy Easter eggs this year, have a think about where
the chocolate is coming from and what processes are performed to have
that sweet tasting stuff in our hot little hands. Much of the chocolate
that we eat is the result of trafficking and child labour in cocoa
farming in West Africa. We are the grateful recipients of a long process
that keeps thousands of the world's poor in a state of helplessness and
vulnerability.
To help combat this, World Vision has launched a campaign called 'Don't
Trade Lives'. This campaign will initially focus on the issue of
chocolate in the lead-up to Easter, and will then address specific
issues such as Australia's role in trafficking, trafficking into child
labour situations, and trafficking into the sex trade.
The scale of the problem is enormous. Just last year we celebrated the
200th anniversary of the abolition of slavery with the release of the
film 'Amazing Grace' which showcased the life of the great reformer,
William Wilberforce. However, the problem still exists today. In fact it
exists in greater numbers than when Wilberforce was finally successful
in pulling the rug out from under the foundation of the British Empire.
Today there are still more than 27 million people around the world who
are the victims of trafficking.
In its campaign, World Vision is urging the following:
· Calling for Australians to use their voices and purchasing power to
demand ethical chocolate - that is, chocolate that is child labour-free
and human trafficking-free.
· Calling for industry to change their practices, manufacturers and
retailers need to hear directly from us - the Australian consumers -
that won't tolerate exploitation in the chocolate that we eat.
It is important to note that World Vision is not calling for a boycott
of chocolate or any chocolate brands, as this would only hurt poor
farming families more without adequately addressing the underlying
problems.
As we remember the sacrifice and grace of the crucified God this Easter;
as we remember the one who hears the cries of the millions locked in
slavery each day, let us remember that we too can play our part in
following Him along the road. We can imitate Jesus by refusing to submit
to the powers that be and identifying with the poor and vulnerable in
our advocacy and calling for change.
Find out more by going to www.donttradelives.com.au
by Nils von Kalm
www.soulthoughts.com
--
Shalom/Salaam/Pax! Rowland Croucher
http://jmm.aaa.net.au/
(20,000 articles 4000 humor)
Blogs - http://rowlandsblogs.blogspot.com/
Justice for Dawn Rowan - http://dawnrowansaga.blogspot.com/
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