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INTRODUCTION
This publication seeks to highlight the diverse contexts and
conditions in which children work in selected countries in the Asia-
Pacific region, as well as to analyse some of the key factors
contributing to child labour and the main challenges to be
addressed at the local and national levels in tackling the most
intolerable forms of work that children do. Special attention is
paid to the plight of the "invisible children" in the case studies
included from various countries.The international Save the
Children Alliance member-organisations in South and East Asia,
and the Pacific Region, have worked in collaboration with Child
Workers in Asia, on this publication, to contribute towards
ongoing debate and concern from the region on child labour and
the need for urgent measures to address this problem at all
levels.
With child labour gaining international focus in 1997, this
publication is seen as being timely to enhance awareness and
develop effective policy and action programmes at a global level -
especially during the forthcoming International Conference on
Child Labour to be convened in Oslo in October 1997. Keeping
this objective in mind, this publication seeks to inform, and focus
the attention of, policy makers, donors, governments,
international agencies, NGOs, employers and workers
organisations on the complex set of factors and conditions ~ that
make it imperative for many children, I in the countries of this
region, to work. It also aims to review the effect and impact of
work on children, and to highlight the most exploitative and
intolerable forms of work that are often undertaken by children.
The "invisible children" speak for themselves in this publication.
We hope their voices will be heard, and their insights,experiences
and recommendations will become a critical part of the process of
framing policy, a nd of practices aimed at tackling the growing
phenomenon of child labour in this region.
The Editorial Group Bangkok, October 1997