US Department of Labor awards $5.35 million to implement forced child labor projects in Brazil and Peru

WASHINGTON — Secretary of Labor Hilda L. Solis today announced a $5.35 million grant to support efforts by the governments of Brazil and Peru to combat forced labor, including forced child labor. The grant awarded by the U.S. Department of Labor's Bureau of International Labor Affairs will fund a project implemented by the International Labor Organization.

"Forced labor is an abhorrent practice that cannot be tolerated," said Secretary Solis. "This grant will help facilitate the sharing and implementation of proven strategies for eradicating these abuses across countries."

This project will build upon Brazil's pioneering efforts to combat forced labor through a trilateral partnership with the United States, Brazil and Peru. In Brazil, the project will support national efforts to build capacity in selected states and sectors where forced labor persists. Under this project, victims and their households will be linked to social and livelihood programs. In Peru, the project will share good practices developed in Brazil to strengthen Peru's ongoing efforts to combat forced labor, including of children.

Since 1995, ILAB projects have rescued approximately 1.5 million children from exploitive child labor. The Labor Department has funded 260 such projects implemented by more than 65 organizations in 91 countries. ILAB currently oversees more than $210 million of active programming to combat the worst forms of child labor. More information is available at http://www.dol.gov/ilab/.