shield arrow-simple-alt-top arrow-simple-alt-left arrow-simple-alt-right arrow-simple-alt-bottom facebook instagram linkedin medium pinterest rss search-alt shaper twitter video-play arrow-long-right arrow-long-left arrow-long-top arrow-long-bottom arrow-simple-right arrow-simple-left arrow-simple-bottom readio arrow-simple-top speaker-down plus minus cloud hb pin camera globe cart rotate Group-35 star edit arrow-top arrow-right arrow-left arrow-bottom check search Close square speaker-up speaker-mute return play pause love new-tab equalizer

Enslaved to Harvest Silk Thread - Now Free

Last week, IJM assisted local authorities in rescuing six adult labourers and a 4-year-old boy from years of bonded labour slavery, where they faced near-constant abuse in order to make silk thread.

Four adult men and two pregnant women were forced to work at this silkworm farm (also called sericulture) for up to 8 years in poor conditions. The owner had given them advanced payments of 50,000 to 180,000 rupees to work there (about $700–2,500 USD), but then manipulated these debts so the labourers could never repay them and leave.

Every day, the women and men toiled from 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., harvesting fibres from silkworms and spinning them into thread using large, dangerous machinery.

Men and women alike faced constant verbal and physical abuse, and several had also developed painful skin allergies due to the chemicals and constant moisture. (See header photo.)

After learning about these conditions, IJM referred the case to the district’s Assistant Commissioner, who assembled a rescue team of police officers, social workers, representatives from the Labour Department and other agencies. They arrived at the facility on 30th September 2019, to confirm the victims’ experiences, then brought them to safety at a government office for their official statements and aftercare.

Officials were especially compelled by the testimony of the 4-year-old boy, who cannot speak due to a tongue injury but used sign language to tell them how his parents were kicked and strangled by the owner. Authorities took the farm owner into custody on the day of rescue and have filed a case under India’s laws against bonded labour slavery and physical assault.

To date, the government has provided immediate crisis care and protection for the survivors, including medical check-ups to address their urgent injuries and Release Certificates, which break the false debts they “owed” the farm owner.

The survivors rested temporarily at a government-run hostel in the area and then were brought back to their home villages to begin their journey of rehabilitation.


You might also be interested in…

About Stories see more
Girls calling for an end to trafficking: Ranjita's story

11th October is International Day of the Girl Child, a day dedicated to promoting the rights and wellbeing of girls. At IJM we're committed to empowering girls who have experienced trafficking or violence to pursue their dreams and to contribute towards a more just world - and Ranjita is leading the way!

Once a Child Labourer, Kumar Is Now Building Protection in His Country
Esther's Story Podcasts

From IJM comes The New Activist. A podcast series focusing on Esther's story: a tale of a little girl's rescue from slavery in Ghana's illegal fishing industry. Episodes feature unique interviews with Esther, her caseworker, IJM investigators and the IJM team in Ghana, providing unprecedented access to Esther’s story.

Join us as we journey into the crushing reality of slavery and indomitable spirit of those who seek justice.

How do you raise a child in slavery?

Enslaved on a dangerous farm, Damru and Hemanthi lived in fear of beatings and abuse—all while raising an infant son.
You made their rescue possible.

You Can Help Send Rescue Today.

When you give a gift today, you’ll be fighting slavery, violence, and injustice across the globe. Together, we can end slavery and violence in our lifetime.

You can make the most impact as a Freedom Partner today.

Your generous monthly support will help send rescue to vulnerable children and families at a moment’s notice, stand with them as they rebuild their lives in freedom and have perpetrators held accountable.

Login

Donor Portal

Review your giving, tax statements and contact info via the IJM Donor Portal.

please sign in
Email Sign Up
Get updates from IJM on stories from the field, events in your area and opportunities to get involved.
sign up