NCJ Number
205416
Journal
Georgetown Journal on Poverty Law & Policy Volume: 11 Issue: 1 Dated: Winter 2004 Pages: 87-113
Date Published
2004
Length
27 pages
Annotation
This paper examines the ineffectiveness of current systems that are attempting to alleviate child labor problems throughout the world and proposes an alternative.
Abstract
Approximately 250 million children between the ages of 5 and 14 are working in various countries around the world, mostly in the textile, sporting goods, and toy industries of the developing world. Of these children, approximately half work full time. These children receive low pay and are subjected to both physical and verbal abuse, as well as hazardous and unsanitary working conditions that are detrimental to their physical and emotional development. This paper argues that current prohibitions against child labor, both domestic and international, are not effective in stemming the problem. By leaving compliance to individual governments, the drafters of international conventions fail to restrain the immensely profitable actions of powerful industry owners, corrupt public officials, and owners of bonded laborers. The author recommends that child labor practices be treated as violations of universal human rights and customary international norms, such that they be criminalized and come under the jurisdiction of international tribunals such as the International Court of Justice. International laws, which will extend to all states and hold them liable for abusive child labor, must be enacted, and the international community must inform citizens about the protections provided. Victims of child labor and their advocates must be informed about and encouraged to access forums where violators will be tried and, if found guilty, be dealt sanctions appropriate to the harms done. Only by increasing the adverse consequences for perpetrators of abusive child labor practices will they be deterred from their practices. 223 notes