Fighting child labor and exploitation

According to International Labor Organization Convention 182, “the worst forms of child labor” include:

• All forms of slavery or practices similar to slavery, such as the sale and trafficking of children, debt bondage and serfdom, and forced or compulsory labor, including forced or compulsory recruitment of children for use in armed conflict
• The use, procuring, or offering of a child for prostitution, for the production of pornography, or for pornographic performances
• The use, procuring, or offering of a child for illicit activities, in particular for the production and trafficking of drugs as defined in the relevant international treaties
• Work which is likely to harm the health, safety, or morals of children

Some 126 million children work in hazardous conditions (1) such as:

• Working in mines
• Working with chemicals and pesticides in agriculture
• Working with dangerous machinery (2)

At least 2 million children are trafficked annually for child labor and sexual exploitation. (3)

Most child laborers are in the informal economic sector, where they are not protected by laws and regulations.

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Where does it occur?

Child labor can be found in almost every country. It is estimated that there are at least:

• 122.3 million child workers (ages 5 to 14) in the Asia Pacific region
• 49.3 million child workers (ages 5 to 14) in sub-Saharan Africa
• 5.7 million child workers (ages 5 to 14) in Latin America and the Caribbean (3)

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Who is most vulnerable?

The poorest children are extremely vulnerable. Children are less aware of their rights, and they accept repetitive and hazardous work willingly because they are more obedient and may not have other options.

Girls are also extremely vulnerable. In many cultures, girls are expected to provide financial support for their parents. Furthermore, parents are much more likely to educate boys than girls, leading to an increase in vulnerability.

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What is the impact?

Children engaged in the worst forms of child labor are denied schooling, which could help them earn a fair wage and lead them to a better way of life. Child laborers also face traumatic physical and mental abuse, dependence on drugs and other addictive substances, and a host of chronic diseases.

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What are the causes?

Child labor is a result of unjust systems and structures within a society. Some causes include:

• Poverty and gross inequality
• Unjust income distribution or land distribution
• Migration
• Traditional cultural practices
• Adult unemployment
• Poor and inadequate education
• Desire for cheap consumer goods

Poverty — both in the home and at a national level — is the major cause of child labor. The International Labor Organization points to a strong correlation between income levels and child labor across countries, with the poorest countries registering the highest rates of child labor.

Child labor is not only a consequence of poverty. It is also a cause. If children are prevented from going to school due to child labor, they will remain illiterate. As adults they will likely not find well-paying jobs and their own children may be forced to work.Child labor can also drive down the wages and working conditions of adult workers, making it more likely that children will need to work to supplement their family’s income.

Access to education affects the incidence of child labor. In some areas, there is a shortage of adequate schools or teachers available to run classes, denying children an education and therefore encouraging them to seek work. Even where schooling is available, it may be costly.

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How do consumers make a difference?

Often times (but not always) products are cheap because they are produced with low-cost labor.

Some consumers are taking steps to create a fairer world. According to the Ethical Shopping Price Survey, 92 percent of consumers say they would pay a higher price for a product if it was marked with an “ethically certified” label. In response to this public sentiment, some companies offer products that are certified as “ethically responsible.”

Currently, more than 15,000 products from 60 countries are labeled as “Fair Trade Certified.”

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What are we doing?

World Vision’s experience working in countries around the world amongst marginalized people has revealed that children will continue to work unless there are sufficient economic alternatives for families.

Learn more about how we combat child labor practices in the countries where we work and some of our advocacy successes so far, in partnership with you.

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What can Americans do?

Many countries have passed laws to combat child labor and trafficking, but they lack the means to enforce the laws and adequately protect children.

A bill introduced by Reps. Chris Smith, R-N.J., and Carolyn Maloney, D-N.Y., the Child Protection Compact Act (HR 2737), would help enforce anti-trafficking laws by providing assistance and training to several countries that have shown the political will to fight human trafficking and exploitation but lack the resources, know-how, and capacity to follow-up with survivors. World Vision supports this measure and advocates for it’s swift passage.

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Four things you can do

• Pray for children around the world who are being harmed by child labor practices. Pray for people trying to help these children and for a transformation of those who are forcing children into these roles.
• Call or e-mail your representative to voice your support for the Child Protection Compact Act (HR 2737).
• See what goods are believed to be produced with exploitive child labor.
• Become a Child Crisis Partner. For $20 a month, you can help one child after another escape a life of horror.

Sources

1. Facts on Child Labour [PDF]. International Labour Organization. (2006).
2. State of the World’s Children 2006 [PDF]. UNICEF. (2006).
3. End of Child Labor Within Reach [PDF]. International Labour Organization. (2006).

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