Gift Awareness: Give Traffick-free Chocolate and Conflict-free Diamonds this Christmas
"Nearly half the world's chocolate is made from cocoa grown in the Cote d’Ivoire, in Africa. 12,000 children have been trafficked into cocoa farms in Cote d’Ivoire."
In the Bible’s book of Proverbs 24:11-12 it says, "Deliver those who are drawn toward death, and hold back those stumbling to the slaughter. If you say, ‘Surely we did not know this,’ Does not He who weighs the hearts consider it? He who keeps your soul, does He not know it? And will He not render to each man according to his deeds?"
That verse comes to mind as I become aware of the extent to which some are tortured, so others—mostly unaware—will have nice presents to buy. Perhaps the startling movie, Blood Diamond, is partly to blame for my eyes being opened. However, the harsh reality so many in third-world countries, most of them children, are suffering, is anything but Hollywood. And we, seeking to bestow on our friends and loved ones beautiful, or tasty gifts for Christmas, may unknowingly be promoting the dilemma of innocent ones, miles away. (Graphic: Stopthetraffik.org)
I’m referring to the conflicts surrounding diamonds, and the human trafficking so prevalent in the harvesting of chocolate. According to statistics listed on ConflictFreeDiamonds.org, many diamond mines in third-world countries are undermined by rebel groups seeking to usurp legitimate governments, and fund their brand of violence. In addition, much of the living and working conditions of those who work in the mines, borders on inhumane. To find out more, and to learn about how to buy "conflict-free diamonds," visit: ConflictFreeDiamonds.org.
Similarly, the chocolate we consume without a thought, may have been harvested through the great price of another’s life, as many children are kidnapped—trafficked—and enslaved as workers on cocoa farms, often in horrible conditions.
Statistics from StoptheTraffik.org say: Nearly half the world's chocolate is made from cocoa grown in the Cote d’Ivoire, in Africa. 12,000 children have been trafficked into cocoa farms in Cote d’Ivoire. When we buy chocolate we are being forced to be oppressors ourselves as we have no guarantee that the chocolate we eat is 'traffik free.'
Stop the Traffik has produced a guide for consumers who are concerned about this, for buying chocolate that is "traffick-free." To find out more, follow the link provided.
