Modern Day Slavery In Thailand Case Study

1. Introduction

Slavery did not end with abolition in the 19th century; the practice of slavery continues to exist today in various forms. Despite being illegal in every country in this globalized world, men, women and children are forced to work with their freedom taken by employers of different backgrounds; dehumanized and regarded as property that can be traded. Modern day slavery is driven by the need of inexpensive workforce and the pursuing for higher profit.

The ILO estimates that modern-day slavery is a $150 Billion per year business, and more than 20.9 million people are working as modern-day slaves, victims of forced labor, or are trapped in jobs into which they were coerced into and from which they cannot leave.

Some may inhumanely

Modern Slavery and Child Labour in South Indian Granite Quarries

B. Trafficked Migrants in Thailand’s Fishing Industry

The primary focus of this paper will be on the analysis of child labour in the construction industry and the ethical dilemmas that it poses for the various stakeholders involved as well as the individuals of the society. The second study on trafficked migrants in Thailand’s seafood industry will be discussed to enforce the ethical dilemmas on human labour exploitation and ethical consumerism. 2. Ethical Analysis on Case Study 1 (Child Labour in Indian Granite Quarries)

2.1 Introduction to Case Study

India ranks second as the largest granite exporter in the world. Accounting for around 20 percent of the world’s granite resources, India exports granite values up to hundred million dollars annually. With over workers, the production and extraction of granite has become a major industry of the country. The worker population predominantly consists of migrant male, female as well as child workers. Recent reports have revealed that the workers are often subjected to harsh working and living conditions, drawing attention from many human right

of India) European Natural Stone Companies.

Action 1: Engaging children as core workers in the quarry Violates Act Utilitarian by denying education and literacy to the children they engage and thus minimizing the societal benefit to the state/country. Violates Act Utilitarian by denying education and literacy to the children (Citizens of India) and thus minimizing the societal benefit to the state/country. The social utility generated by the company does not outweigh the moral wrongdoings to the children → does not maximize societal benefit and violates Act Utilitarian.

Action 2: Workers being subjected to unsanitary and unsafe living conditions Violates Act Utilitarian because unhygienic living conditions can potentially trigger the spread of diseases, thus threatening the lives of people living and working in the vicinity. Threatens the lives of workers, families and those living in the region as poor, unhygienic conditions can evoke the spread of diseases; thus violates Act Utilitarian. Sourcing from suppliers in India, allows natural stone company to offer products to consumers at lower prices. In this way, the company’s large consumer base is benefitted. Hence, to some extent, the company can be perceived to satisfy