Before reading this post, I would have been like your friend... not buying things from countries or companies that hire these people and pay them pennies compared to what first rate nations receive.
However, I now have a deeper perspective on this matter... to which I thank you. Many are not forced into slavery and the work does improve their well being albeit small... but anything can make the difference from starving to surviving.
I will still be researching companies, but not completely eliminating all companies that Isee paying "unfair" wages.