In this CARE report, the authors focus on the need for commitment to changing the hazardous and exploitative nature of child labor. The report is divided into three sections:
Section I: Framing the Debate
This section focuses on the global climate for child labor, including the prevalence of child labor despite the international condemnation of the practice. It examines international responses such the development of labor standards and cites poor education as a risk factor for child labor. It calls for focusing on rural and agricultural child labor to directly impact the worst area of this problem.
Section II: Initiating Action
Section II considers research and community-based strategies as a locus of change. It stresses that community involvement is the best resource for prevention and protection. Other areas is addresses are education, the role of women as both “exacerbating and mitigating” factors, and the value of youth participation for self-empowerment strategies.
Section III: Empowering Our Futures
The final section explores the potential consequences of empowering communities. The authors propose increased personal responsibility for direct or indirect involvement in child labor and encourage both individual and community action.
©CARE
