Emerging response to child labour

Child labour continues to be a tragedy of our time. Millions of children are found working illegally in both developing and industrialised countries under conditions harmful to their health, safety and physical and mental development. A child working is a future denied.

The campaign against child labour must be relentless and must be waged at various levels. This publication provides vital information on what is being done and how it is being done at community, national and international level. It contains a world-wide survey of national legislation and international standards. Perhaps far more importantly, it provides for the first time descriptions of programmes by governmental and non-govern mental organisations designed to protect child workers. It also contains a directory of institutions and organisations carrying out research, training, advocacy and action programmes on child labour. This volume aims at promoting greater action and exchange of experience among those engaged in the cause of child workers.

Combating child labour, another recent publication from the ILO, sets the stage for the information provided in the Digest. A major study of child labour in Asia, Africa and Latin America, it vividly describes the reality of child labour through country and industry case studies. Unlike earlier works on the subject, the book offers a wealth of information on, and analysis of, policies and programmes in various countries including Brazil, Colombia, Egypt, India, Kenya, Peru and the Philippines. This book is essential reading for all those concerned with the protection of working children and the elimination of child labour.