"Running away evokes the era of slavery; You leave your job, but you run away only when enslaved," (Haddad in "A Modern-Day Slave Trade: Sri Lankan Workers in Lebanon.")

A few weeks ago, we had two ladies come into the office after hours at around 10:00 pm. They were only able to come at this time because they worked 15-hour shifts and this was the only open slot in their schedules. I was able to sit in on their meeting with Cha Hung where they told him that they worked in a convalescent home and were put in charge of the fifty people on their floor. This being the case, there was ALWAYS something to do, and they barely had time to breathe. Their employer also forced them to administer injections to the patients, procedures of which can only be done by medical professionals (this is another legal infringement in itself and a whole other story).

The women desperately wanted to find a new job because this one was clearly exploitative. They also mentioned that their supervisor was extremely verbally abusive and they could no longer tolerate working under such miserable conditions. Luckily they were able to video record the working condtions on their cell phones and so we have clear evidence of the labor exploitation that they had to endure. As they were telling their stories, I could hardly believe that anyone could put up with such treatment. I am realizing more and more that these people who have come here to work and make an honest living are some of the most strong-willed and courageous people I have ever encountered. They sacrifice so much and are pushed to the breaking point.

Again, this is but one of the MANY cases that is being handled at the VMWBO. And as much as the office is doing, we have to think of the people who have not been lucky enough receive help and guidance. It is only the tip of the iceberg in battling modern-day slavery.