Restavek, a terrible form of Child Labor in Haiti

October 7, 2014 8:00 PM

Restavek is a uniquely Haitian practice that causes desperate parents, living in dire poverty, to send their children off to work as domestics for more prosperous families. The parents of these children hope their lives will be better than what their own family can provide.

In truth, restavek children are abused, forced to sleep on floors instead of beds, perform back-breaking tasks for punishing hours, and are sexually exploited as well. Many studies have been conducted on restavek by the UN, UNICEF, and the U.S. State Department. Some statistics indicate 200,000 to 300,000 children live trapped as domestic slaves in dehumanizing conditions. And tragically 85% are female. The alarming fact about restavek in Haiti is, it is seen as an acceptable way of housing children from poor families.

Restavek, a form of slavery in Haiti

Perhaps the most potent and affecting advocate for banishing restavek is nine-year old Joana of Gran Goâve. She spoke expressively on the radio to thousands of listeners about what Haiti should strive for, ". . . a place where every child is loved and cared for; where no one is exploited or abused."

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