Combating child labour/ edited by Assefa Bequele and Jo Boyden

Child labour remains widespread throughout the world. For many millions of children, work is an ordeal, a source of suffering and exploitation, and an abuse of human rights.

In this major study of child labour in Africa, Asia and Latin America, country case studies vividly describing the harsh reality of children's work in various industries and occupations are followed by an account of the striking evolution that is taking place in public policy and in programmes aimed at child workers.

Child labour will not vanish overnight. In many countries children's earnings are essential to family survival. Therefore the traditional approach of legislation and enforcement is being complemented and reinforced by new and practical ways of dealing with the problem. Both governments and non-governmental organisations are developing comprehensive and pragmatic approaches to providing protection for working children (see also The emerging response to child labour",