Blog Post #1: Drug Addicts Used for Labor

The Human Rights Watch has released a report saying that drug addicts in Vietnam have been forced to work in labor sweatshops. Under the premise of completing rehabilitation programs, the recovering addicts are placed into “treatment” centers where they must work for little to no money and endure beatings including methods such as electrical shock and solitary confinement. The report was based on information from 34 former members of such facilities; it goes on to say that the forced labor and mistreatment of the addicts is “central to how the centers operate.” The type of labor varies from processing cashew nuts to weaving baskets, and some of the resulting products will be sent to Europe and The United States.

Many countries in East Asia have taken to the practice of sending drug addicts to rehab programs instead of jail, and even use a completely different administration system to process such violations. Over the past decade, the number of drug rehab facilities has over doubled in Vietnam, and numerous government documents have deemed them a success. The report also states that the factories have been enjoying profits, particularly because of tax breaks they receive on their goods. One of the center’s former members said that there was no effort to help him with his addiction besides marching around and saying, “Try your best to quit drugs.” With relapse rates at over 80%, this type of accusation seems highly plausible.

The social aspect of this issue considers how a specific group of people (addicts) are treated. Instead of helping these people overcome a serious dependency, their government has allowed them to be tortured and forced into labor while reaping the benefits of cheap/free labor.

Colombia Sportswear Senior V.P. Peter Bragdon was recently made aware that 847 pieces at his company had been stitched by addicts in these facilities. He stated that Colombia plans to donate all of the pieces to charity, and that “Involuntary labor of any kind is unacceptable to us.”Globally, companies in other countries have to decide what to do when faced with the fact that, as a result of outsourcing, their products could be comprised of goods from these facilities. Will they choose to overlook the facts or take their share of responsibility for a growing problem?

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/09/08/world/asia/08vietnam.html?_r=1&ref=world