34 boys free from exploitative pottery business
Summary:
June 2026
Authorities, with the support of IJM, have brought 34 boys to safety in South Asia after they were trafficked into forced labour at a pottery business.
These children had been trapped through false loans and exploitative debts placed on their families. Some had endured this abuse for up to six years.
The boys worked long days across every stage of pottery production. They prepared clay, shaped pots, dried them in the sun, fired them in furnaces, coloured them, packaged them, and loaded them for transport. They worked from morning until night and slept on the ground without proper beds or toilets.
IJM shared reports of abuse with local authorities, who led the operation. IJM and our local NGO partner supported the planning and on-the-ground response.
After being brought to safety, the boys received food and medical care. They were also given drawing and colouring packs to help them begin recovering before being moved to a shelter home for ongoing care.
Legal action has been initiated against the suspected perpetrators. Authorities are now working to secure Release Certificates for the boys, cancelling the false debts that trapped their families. Efforts are also underway to support rehabilitation and safely return the boys to their home communities.
Now, these boys can begin to learn and play again.