When I reflect on the evils in the world, poverty, cruelty and disease stand out and account for most of the suffering. And what’s more, they are interconnected. For example, abject poverty can be a breeding ground for disease and a target for cruel exploitation. Disease itself can often be cruel and lead to impoverishment, even in the U.S.A. (1).
The World’s attention is currently focused on Haiti and the appalling loss of life associated with the recent earthquake. This is a tragedy of Biblical proportions and our hearts go out to the Haitian people. Their country is one of the poorest nations on Earth and associated with this poverty are cruelty and disease. Children of the poorest families are often sold into domestic service and many are treated abominably, deprived of an education, and forced to labor long and hard hours. Some are physically and sexually abused, sold into prostitution, or trafficked across the border into the Dominican Republic where similar treatment awaits. It is virtual slavery (2, 3), and this is so ironic considering that Haiti was the first country in the Americas where slavery was abolished (2).
Now that Haiti is the focus of so much attention and international aid, there are opportunities to go beyond the initial emergency assistance and to rebuild and reform. It is not acceptable to stand idly by while children are subjected to harsh and cruel treatment.
The long-term solution to the evils of poverty, cruelty and disease in the World is a proper education and this is where our focus should be.
References
1) Jones, C. J. (2009) “If You Think Wellness Is Expensive, Try Disease.” https://www.healthyaddress.com/?p=203
2) Caistor, N. (2007) Haiti’s Hidden ‘Child Slaves’. BBC News Report. http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/6451267.stm
3) Kloer, A. (2009) A Quarter Million Haitian Children are Slaves. Change.org http://humantrafficking.change.org/blog/view/a_quarter_million_haitian_children_are_slaves
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