“A street named after a child?” you might ask yourself while standing here on Rue Iqbal Masih. This street honors Iqbal Masih. He was a Pakistani boy. Iqbal became a symbol against child slavery. Though this street may seem like any other, it carries a powerful message.
Iqbal Masih was born in 1983. His family was very poor. At age four, he was sold into bonded labor. This was to pay off a small family debt. He worked in a carpet factory. Iqbal faced terrible conditions. He was often chained to a loom. He worked long hours.
Despite his suffering, Iqbal escaped at age ten. He learned that bonded labor was illegal. Iqbal then became an activist. He spoke out against child labor. “Don’t buy the blood of children” became his rallying cry. He traveled the world sharing his story. Iqbal helped free over 3,000 children from slavery.
In 1994, Iqbal received the Reebok Human Rights Award. He wanted to use the prize money to study law. Sadly, he never got the chance. In 1995, at just twelve years old, Iqbal was murdered. Many believe the “carpet mafia” was responsible. They wanted to silence him.
Iqbal’s death sparked international outrage. He became a symbol of the fight against child exploitation. Organizations were founded in his name. The Iqbal Masih Award for the Elimination of Child Labor was established.
Even today, Iqbal’s story inspires action. It reminds us to fight for the rights of children. Here, on Rue Iqbal Masih, remember the boy who stood up to injustice. His courage continues to resonate around the world. It urges us to create a world where no child is enslaved.