Carpet Kids
Carpet trade funded by child labour in India
An international campaign against child labour has exposed India''s once thriving export of rugs as a vicious cycle of exploitation and corruption. Sunlight streams through dusty looms. For centuries children have been used to weave these lavish carpets, often under conditions of slavery. It's a $200 million industry. Now, under the spotlight of the international media, carpet manufacturers are cleaning up their acts.
They've introduced the 'Rugmark' registration system, which guarantees no child labour has been used in carpets bearing the 'Rugmark' label. Shaukat Ansari has 3,000 looms. He''s under pressure from Western buyers to prove no child''s sweat is spent.
But the system has its problems. With 25,000 looms and only 15 inspectors, it's difficult to police. At a small factory crammed with looms and colourful swathes of wool, some weavers are mysteriously absent and inspectors say they face constant attempts at bribery. Even children who have been 'rescued' from the looms find that economic necessity drives them back. Many are terrified they will lose their jobs. A weaver can expect to be paid a handsome $36 for 9 months rug making.
However, one local NGO offers a more viable alternative. Robin Garland gave up his post as CEO of a huge UK carpet business to run Project Mara. The children there study for half of the day and work the looms for the other half. Pintu is 11, 4 years too young to work the looms, but his family need every penny they can get.
Produced by ABC Australia
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