Seven boys free from pig farm in South Asia
Summary:
Thanks to the quick work of the local government and support of IJM, seven boys are now safe after five years of exploitation at a filthy and abusive pig farm.
The District Child Protection Officer commented, “When trafficking involves children, the urgency to act becomes even more critical. We remain committed to identifying such hidden cases and ensuring strict action against the perpetrators.”
The team was comprised of government officials, police officers, the District Child Protection Unit and IJM, showing the power in collaboration to end trafficking in South Asia.
Four suspects have been identified and IJM will continue to work with officers to prosecute the traffickers.
IJM will also provide critical aftercare for the boys to help them recover from their trauma. Once the boys are reunited with their parents, IJM will help them access government welfare programmes and help enroll the boys in schools.
The boys, who are as young as 10 years old, were forced to work to repay loans taken by their parents, with an average equivalent value of just £30. They worked for over 12 hours every day, often with just one meal, and slept outdoors.
They were frequently beaten for minor errors and were completely isolated from their families. They did tasks without any protective gear and described the smell as “unbearable”.
One child said, “We were not allowed to leave the pig farm even when we were sick.”
Thankfully, a passerby noticed the abuse and immediately notified the District Child Protection Unit. The case was escalated and IJM was contacted to help gather information and plan the operation to bring the boys to safety.
The operation took place overnight to prevent the farm owner hiding the boys. Once they were safe, officials moved the boys to a safe house for short-term medical care and protection.
IJM’s State Programme Director says, “This rescue is a turning point. When traffickers and exploiters see that the system can respond swiftly and decisively even in the middle of the night, they will think twice before exploiting any vulnerable people for labour.
“This case has the potential to create real deterrence not just through legal action, but by showing what’s possible when government acts.”