Child tin mine workers in Bolivia and elsewhere

The President of Bolivia, Sr. D. Evo Morales

We the undersigned kindly request you to investigate the fact that under-age children are going to work in disused tin mines in your country in order to be able to eat and just about survive. These tin mines are abandoned, dangerous and collapsing putting these children's lives in permanent danger. Thanks to the abismal wages of the tin trade, whole families are not even able to live together under the same roof for the sake of some human comfort, with every able-bodied person living away from home sacrificed to the tin mines.

These poor people actually said that they believe in you Sr. Morales and aware of your humble origins, they are convinced that you intend to help them...........one day.

This information reached me through a world TV channel report, just one of many concerning similar exploitation of minors, occurring not only in Bolivia but also in other S. American countries and indeed, worldwide -  and not only in mines. Obviously, the greed of some multinationals does not help matters.....

Hopefully you will read this petition and take steps to set an example of humanity regarding the plight of certain minors in your country who do not know what a normal childhood is. Owing to your initiative, perhaps neighbouring Presidents will follow suit. These kids, in my opinion, should a) live at home with their parents b) have enough to eat c) have a school to go to d) have medical care, clean water, electricity and whatever is necessary for their well-being. I hope that you and your family, Sr. Morales, are today able to enjoy all these benefits especially having experienced personally what it is like to be deprived.

My reason for writing to you, Sr. Morales, is that it is heartbreaking to see the dreadful hardship of these children. They are so brave, thinking only of others. I pray that this letter will reach you and that you will intensify your efforts to tackle this problem remembering that poor children also have human rights and should never be used as a disposable commodity. Children are the future of our world, after all.

Bearing in mind the difficult task this represents, I thank you for reading my letter.