»At first, I did not know why I was brought here. I was told that my parents sold me. I was beaten up and was not given anything to eat until I gave in and began to work. Otherwise I would have starved to death.» This was told by a young boy from Benin who was sold as a work slave to a quarry in Nigeria. Thousands of children slave away under inhuman conditions in such quarries, sometimes since they are 6 years old, and are thus exposed to health hazards. The terre des hommes Foundation, together with other organisations, takes care of the repatriation of children to Benin and provides them with medical and psychological care. Terre des hommes intercedes with relevant local authorities, especially for a safe return of children and reunion with their families, as well as calculated prosecution.

More information: www.tdh.ch

last update 01. 06. 2005