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African Children 'Enslaved in UK' |
Hundreds of West African children have been brought illegally into Britain and other European countries in a modern-day form of slavery.
There are thought to be 10,000 West African children living with strangers in the UK, many of whom may not be living the lives they had been promised.
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Hundreds of West African children have been brought illegally into Britain and other European countries in a modern-day form of slavery.
An investigation by BBC Radio 4's Today programme revealed that young children are promised a life of unparalleled luxury and a good education by distant relatives or family friends.
Their penniless parents readily agree they should leave West Africa.
Some are beaten and abused, others end up as the sexual playthings of paedophiles.
Police fear many are being trafficked to Europe so their relatives can claim a host of welfare benefits.
There are thought to be 10,000 West African children living with strangers in the UK, many of whom may not be living the lives they had been promised.
Our West Africa correspodnent Mark Doyle says that while there is some political will among governemtn's to tackle the issue, resources for agencies like the police who should stamp out the trade are cruelly lacking.
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