{"id":3448,"date":"2023-10-13T08:54:26","date_gmt":"2023-10-13T08:54:26","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.stoneinternational.org\/programs\/befree\/"},"modified":"2026-01-30T11:35:45","modified_gmt":"2026-01-30T11:35:45","slug":"befree","status":"publish","type":"programs","link":"https:\/\/www.stoneinternational.org\/en\/programs\/befree\/","title":{"rendered":"BeFree!"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

No more debt slavery!<\/h1>\n\n\n\n

There are various reasons why people live in debt slavery. In some situations, they choose it themselves, but in many cases, it is the only solution\u2014such as paying an unexpected medical bill. The sad reality is that such debt is often passed down from generation to generation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Financial exclusion<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

For many people in debt slavery, it involves (day) laborers who do not qualify for loans within the formal financial system (financial exclusion). As a result, they are forced to take out loans privately. In many countries, high interest rates (+20%) are common, and this group\u2014often low-educated or unskilled\u2014pays even higher rates.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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The reality of the day<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The lender in the private sector benefits the most from the loan agreement. In many cases, the interest paid by the debtor is so high, and their income so low, that repaying the loan becomes nearly impossible. This is why it is often referred to as debt slavery, with all its consequences.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Pakistan<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The largest industry in Pakistan where debt slavery occurs is the brick kilns. Depending on the amount borrowed, a quota is set for the number of bricks to be produced. The higher the loan, the more family members are required to meet this quota. Since these factories are located outside cities, there is little to no oversight from local authorities, increasing the risk of exploitation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As a result\u2014witnessed firsthand\u2014it is common for children to work long, grueling hours. Because of their labor in the brick factories, they are unable to attend school, leaving their chances for a better future nearly nonexistent.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Onze aanpak<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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