Why is child labour still happening?
Child labour refers to the employment of children in any work that deprives children of their childhood, interferes with their ability to attend regular school and work that is mentally, physically, socially or morally dangerous and harmful. But, do we all still believe that child labour has been banished from this world? I would like to share my personal experience. During my summer vacation, I had gone to India and met my aunt at her house. After a few days, I started noticing a small boy, approximately 12 years old, working in the house across the street. At first, I thought that it was the owner’s child just doing his chores, but I was wrong. He was the servant of a wealthy family. He did not have proper clothes. He did not go to school, either. I felt really sorry for him.
I might not be the only one who has seen such a sight, but is anyone doing anything about it? Every child, according to most countries’ constitutions, has the right to be educated. Hence, child labour must be banished completely. To make that possible, the concerned authorities and the involved governments need to take strict actions. They should do random checks in houses and in several factories. The ones who break the rules must be given strict punishment. I hope that children who are trapped in this kind of situation will soon have the freedom to be educated.
From Ms Manasvi Madhumohan
Dubai
Regulations for hiring
May I suggest both the employee and employer undergo mental health tests (‘Mental health check for domestic workers in UAE suggested’, Gulf News, September 6)? It doesn’t seem to matter where in the world you are, I just can’t believe that there are people who treat their domestic helpers as if they are not human beings. They don’t treat them equally, even to the point of abusing them physically and emotionally.
From Mr Harold Christian Fernandez
UAE
Facebook comment
A true humanitarian
The canonisation of Mother Teresa will definitely be a boost for the 1.2 billion Catholics around the world (‘Mother Teresa: from saint to villain to Saint’, Gulf News, September 5). There are extraordinary people who have lived or who are still alive among us and Mother Teresa was one among them. Now, Mother Teresa has been elevated to an icon. Though I do not believe in sainthood, nor forced conversions, or some of her dogmatic views alleged by famous writer Christopher Hitchens, I do appreciate her selfless service for uplifting the downtrodden and deprived sections of society. In 1979, she was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize and in 1980 she was awarded with Bharat Ratna, India’s highest civilian award.
The quality care provided in Mother Teresa’s clinic during that time was not up to the mark, and she was accused of taking donations from the Haitian dictator Jean Claude Duvalier and disgraced American financier Charles Keting. But Mother Teresa was a really genuine humanitarian that I will remember as worthy of being blessed, and her legacy should continue in the form of selfless service for the poor. She showed that empathy and altruism are the best ways to give happiness and she was one of the leading personalities of this century.
From Mr Eappen Elias
Dubai
Recognize love
When looking for a life partner, it is human nature to project the qualities we most admire on the object of our affection. Love, however, needs time to develop. Sometimes the very quirks that seem charming at the outset become the very habits we grow to dislike over time. In the throes of initial attractions, everything looks rosy. But when settling into reality and the tasks of life, it paints a different picture.
Despite our differences, infatuation affects brain chemistry and hormones defy logic. Even highly regarded intellectuals, brilliant leaders, CEOs of companies and Oscar-winning stars are not exempt from mistaking infatuation for love. It seems our bodies are at war with the logic of what we know. Hope, in matters of love, springs eternal. If your so-called love drives you to do things like hate, hurt or live without trust, then it becomes infatuation. If love is lacking respect, trust and compassion, then it is not love.
From Ms Farwa Shahid
UAE
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