Every day there is news about children being exploited in some part of the world. Articles speak of kids being abused physically, verbally and even sexually. In particular, the developing countries of the southern hemisphere have been the major exploiters of children. While awareness against using children in hazardous work is being built, in parallel, silent exploitation continues without caring for laws. The economical condition of families in these poor nations also helps promote child labor.
A recent report by the Environmental Justice Foundation (EJF) has revealed the presence of underpaid child workers in cotton production in countries like India, China, Brazil, Pakistan, Uzbekistan and Turkey. The reports details the abuses children suffer including the conditions under which they are forced to work. Many children in these nations sacrifice schooling to take up jobs that provide some revenue to the family. They even work in farms that are sprayed with chemicals, without any preventive measures in place. It is imperative that manufacturers make a through review of their supply chains and negate any use of children for making their products. It is also important that they certify non-usage of child labor.
Measures to check child labor should not only include statutory obligations on the manufacturers, but also regular procedural audits of the supply chain to determine any hidden exploitation. With the global demand for clothes increasing heavily, there is an obvious pressure for workers at low costs and children could become automatic targets.
The United Nations is working on bringing down child labor through UNICEF and its various other development programs. While these efforts are on, eradicating this evil from poor and developing countries will be a challenge.
News Source: NewConsumer
