Dolls, cars, digital consoles, mobile phones, all these gifts are given to children for Christmas… But at what cost? Toys should be fun! However, during their production, human and labor rights are often violated.
Between 70 and 80% of the toys sold worldwide are produced in China, where labor is cheap and plentiful, union freedom is non-existent, and many workers are forced to accept indecent working conditions.
Yet, everyone can contribute to building a fairer world by choosing fair trade and other alternatives.
For Bruno Georges, president of Artisans du Monde in Nice: “This is why Artisans du Monde not only offers fair trade products in its stores (food and handcrafted products, including toys during this period) but also participates in awareness-raising and educational activities in schools, and awareness campaigns, such as Peuples Solidaires and ActionAid’s ‘C’est pas du jeu.’”
The international campaign “It’s Not a Game!” demands toys produced under decent conditions by asking toy companies to ensure respect for fundamental labor standards throughout the production chain.
A survey conducted by Peuples Solidaires shows that 60% of the French are willing to commit to decent working conditions in the toy industry.
For Peuples Solidaires, acting against poverty and for dignity means ensuring these millions of people receive a living minimum wage and work under decent conditions.
