Human Cost of Making Bricks

In India, thousands of women, men and children slave away in the brick kilns. Common to almost all brick kilns is the use of violence, over or implicit. Women and girls, however, are profoundly affected. Many girls and young women are raped, numbers of families are held as virtual slaves, and those who survive often struggle to overcome poor health, illiteracy and poverty. This report, focusing on the widespread exploitation of brick making families, reviews the situation of women, children and men from both indigenous and non-indigenous communities. It generates reliable analysis and information, with a clear agenda to protect women and children exposed to the worst conditions.