Archived News Release — Caution: Information may be out of date.

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

ILAB Press Release: Labor Department Issues Report on Gains in Fight Against International Child Labor [03/25/1999]

For more information call: 202/219-8211

Governments are becoming more aware and are taking steps to combat exploitative child labor, according to a report the U.S. Department of Labor issued today. The study indicates child labor has received unprecedented attention in recent years and also looks at programs initiated in 16 countries aimed at eliminating child labor.

Labor Secretary Alexis M. Herman said, "Our report shows that there finally is a global realization that abusive child labor exists. It also shows that this is a complex problem that will require comprehensive solutions, creative strategies and strong partnerships to affect real and lasting change."

The report--which Herman released with Senator Tom Harkin (D-IA) at a Capitol Hill news conference--analyzes what steps can be taken and the successes some countries are achieving in their efforts to counter exploitative child labor. Herman added that "increased international interest and debate must translate into action by governments and other organizations around the world. This is not just a matter of enacting laws, but enforcing them."

The report, By the Sweat and Toil of Children (Volume V): Efforts to Eliminate Child Labor, reviews the child labor situation in 16 countries and describes the types of action being undertaken by governments in these countries to reduce child exploitation. The study focuses on three main areas where governments can reduce child labor: passing laws and enforcing them; providing universal, affordable primary education, and using targeted initiatives to eliminate child labor. The report provides comprehensive quantitative data on the extent of child labor in the countries studied, as well as their child labor and education laws.

"Many international organizations, world leaders, nongovernmental organizations, governments, and labor and business organizations have recognized the problem, and are actively engaged in efforts to eliminate child labor. This report illustrates many of the types of actions that governments can and are taking," said Herman. "But it also shows much remains to be done."

The report shows despite the fact that all countries studied have child labor laws, large numbers of children continue to work, often under hazardous conditions, in agriculture, fishing and seafood processing, manufacturing, mining, and quarrying, and services industries such as the commercial sex industry and domestic services. The report illustrates that working children often perform tasks far beyond their physical capacity and are often exposed to hazards that can cause long-term harm to their future development. Many working children become adults with limited job skills, stuck in poor-paying jobs. Quite simply, child labor perpetuates poverty.

A fundamental finding put forth in the report is that child labor is a complex problem which demands comprehensive solutions. The solution in any country starts with identifying and understanding the extent of the problem. Then strategies can be developed or successful programs from other countries can be applied in a country.

The report can be used as the framework for further study. It can also be used as a benchmark to measure progress in doing away with child labor in the countries studied. However, the best measure of success is the documentation of the reduction in the number of children at work and of the increase in the number of children finishing primary school.

The Clinton administration, backed by Congress through the leadership of Senator Tom Harkin, has budgeted $30 million to fund our work in combating international child labor. This is a tenfold increase. The administration also has proposed another $30 million for this purpose in the fiscal year 2000 budget.

The 16 countries covered in the report are: Bangladesh, Brazil, Egypt, Guatemala, India, Kenya, Mexico, Nepal, Nicaragua, Pakistan, Peru, the Philippines, South Africa, Tanzania, Thailand and Turkey. The information about each country includes the extent of child labor and the types of work children commonly perform.

Copies of the report may be obtained by contacting: The International Child Labor Program, 200 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room S-5303, Washington, D.C. 20210. PHONE: 202/208-4843. FAX: 202/219-4923. E-MAIL: GlobalKids@dol.gov. The report is also available on-line at: http://www.dol.gov/ilab/programs/ICLP/.

Archived News Release — Caution: Information may be out of date.