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ILAB News Release: [08/27/2008]
Contact Name: Peggy Abrahamson or Richard Manning
Phone Number: (202) 693-7909 or x4676
Release Number: 08-1226-NAT

U.S. Labor Department issues seventh annual report on worst forms of child labor in trade beneficiary countries

Report required under Trade and Development Act of 2000

WASHINGTON — The U.S. Department of Labor's Bureau of International Labor Affairs (ILAB) today released its seventh annual report on efforts being made to combat the worst forms of child labor by governments in 141 countries and territories that receive U.S. trade benefits.

"This report reveals that many governments are demonstrating the will to change children's lives, but it also makes clear that there is much more still to do to protect children around the world from exploitive child labor," said U.S. Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao. "Sustained partnerships by governments, the private sector and international organizations are needed to provide these children with access to the education and resources to enable them to overcome the poverty and exploitation that has defined their childhood."

As defined by the International Labor Organization Convention 182, the worst forms of child labor include any form of slavery, such as forced or indentured child labor; the trafficking of children and the forced recruitment of children for use in armed conflict; child prostitution and pornography; the use of children for illicit activities such as drug trafficking; and work that is likely to harm the health, safety or morals of children.

"Education is the key to breaking the cycle of poverty that traps children and their families," said Deputy Undersecretary for International Labor Affairs Charlotte (Charlie) Ponticelli. "By highlighting child labor around the world, we hope that this report will spur new actions and renewed momentum to rescue children from a life of poverty and exploitation, and offer them a brighter future."

ILAB's Office of Child Labor, Forced Labor and Human Trafficking prepared the department's 2007 Findings on the Worst Forms of Child Labor as required under the Trade and Development Act of 2000. The report draws information from a wide variety of sources, including U.S. embassies and consulates, foreign governments, nongovernmental organizations and international agencies. In addition, bureau staff conducted field visits to some countries covered in the report.

The report is available at http://www.dol.gov/ilab/programs/ocft/pdf/2007ocftreport.pdf. Limited printed copies will be available from the Office of Child Labor, Forced Labor and Human Trafficking, Bureau of International Labor Affairs, U.S. Department of Labor, Room S-5317, 200 Constitution Ave. N.W., Washington, D.C. 20210; phone: 202-693-4843; fax: 202-693-4830; e-mail: GlobalKids@dol.gov.