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Summary: INTRODUCTION
This paper aims to pull together
existing material on child labour in
South Asia. It explores the scale of
the problem using regional data and
case studies, and moves on to consider
whether some of the western consumer
driven initiatives are an effective way
of tackling the issue.
INTRODUCTION
This paper aims to pull together existing material on child labour in
South Asia. It explores the scale of the problem using regional data
and case studies, and moves on to consider whether some of the
western consumer driven initiatives are an effective way of tackling
the issue.
As child labour has gained greater international attention, western
consumers have become increasingly concerned about what they perceive
to be 'unacceptable' labour standards. In South Asia this has led to
a spate of consumer boycotts aimed at eliminating child labour. But
the impact on children can actually be negative.
Understanding why these trade based mechanisms may not be the best
way forward is important. Not only because there may be pressure to
link trade access to minimum labour standards in the next WTO round.
But also because strong public concern about issues such as third
world debt and child labour can be a very positive force for change.
Raising awareness of the measures which can improve labour standards
is thus an important step towards achieving the shared end goal of no
child labour.