Dr Lewis, human rights advocate,

I have a small apartment in Ottawa but I am hardly ever home. My work takes me all over the world. Presently I am investigating concerns over the large numbers of children working on producing hand-made oriental carpets in Afganistan. The fashion for these carpets in the west has led to an increase in the demand and manufacturers are hiring children because of their superior eyesight and because they are a source of cheap labour. I am traveling around Afganistan collecting information by speaking with families, manufactures and government officials. There are so few opportunities for families to earn a living in Afganistan. I believe that the solution to the problem will only come when consumers in western countries insist on knowing the history of the carpets they are buying. Consumers need to be prepared to pay enough for the carpets so that manufacturers can afford to hire more expensive adult labour. I have worked in many different countries in Africa and South America as well as Asia. In all situations my work centers on establishing and maintaining workers rights in the manufacturing industries. Although I am very busy I do love to discuss work with students. You can e-mail me anytime because I always carry my laptop with me. This is the first time I have been invited to advise on a project such as the Housing for Sustainable Living Project. I am delighted to take part. I can send you information on various manufacturers so once you choose your building materials let me know.