Poisoned at work: 13-year-old among hundreds sickened on tobacco farms

By Jewel Topsfield
Updated May 25 2016 - 5:24pm, first published 4:47pm
Toxic: A 12-year-old applies fertiliser by hand to tobacco plants near Sampang, East Java.  Photo: HRW
Toxic: A 12-year-old applies fertiliser by hand to tobacco plants near Sampang, East Java. Photo: HRW
In a bind: A young girl ties tobacco leaves onto sticks to prepare them for curing in East Lombok, West Nusa Tenggara. Photo: HRW
In a bind: A young girl ties tobacco leaves onto sticks to prepare them for curing in East Lombok, West Nusa Tenggara. Photo: HRW
Sceptical: Pak Sudirman has been working on tobacco plantations since he was 10 and says he has no symptoms of tobacco poisoning. Photo: Jewel Topsfield
Sceptical: Pak Sudirman has been working on tobacco plantations since he was 10 and says he has no symptoms of tobacco poisoning. Photo: Jewel Topsfield
Immersed: Children bundle tobacco leaves to prepare them for curing in Sampang, East Java. Photo: HRW
Immersed: Children bundle tobacco leaves to prepare them for curing in Sampang, East Java. Photo: HRW
Adamant: Tobacco farmer Pak Sudirman says he doesn't "have the slightest concern my kids will get sick". Photo: Jewel Topsfield
Adamant: Tobacco farmer Pak Sudirman says he doesn't "have the slightest concern my kids will get sick". Photo: Jewel Topsfield
Exposed: A gloveless child picks tobacco near Sampang in Indonesia. Tobacco companies have suggested workers wear gloves when harvesting.  Photo: HMW
Exposed: A gloveless child picks tobacco near Sampang in Indonesia. Tobacco companies have suggested workers wear gloves when harvesting. Photo: HMW

Gelanggang, Lombok: Thirteen-year-old Ayu vomits every year while harvesting tobacco on her family's farm near Garut in West Java.

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