When does my search for a bargain get in the way of human rights?
According the the U. S. Customs and Border Protection, when those bargains are produced with state-sponsored forced labor.
The CBP has banned several imports from China (including hair products, clothing, cotton and computer parts) made in “re-education” camps by Uyghur people and other ethnic and religious minorities.
According to a CBP news release, these inhumane labor practices include:
“. . . highly coercive/unfree recruitment, work and life under duress . . . restriction of movement, isolation, intimidation and threats, withholding of wages, and abusive working and living conditions.”
It’s tempting to think, “what’s it to me?” But God says,
Isaiah 1:17 (NIV)
Learn to do right; seek justice.
Defend the oppressed.
Lord, I’m not sure how to defend these oppressed workers in China. Protect them with Your power. Shelter them with Your love. Defend them–somehow, someway–in Jesus’ name.
