Question

5. The term “child labor” should not be confused with “youth employment” or “student work.” Child labor is a form of exploitation that is a violation of a human right and it is recognized and defined by international instruments. It is the declared policy of the international community and of almost all Governments to abolish child labor. How can businesses uphold effective abolition of child labor?

Answer 1

1. Be aware of countries, regions, sectors, economic activities where there is a greater likelihood of child labour and respond accordingly with policies and procedures

2.Adhere to minimum age provisions of national labour laws and regulations and, where national law is insufficient, take account of international standards.

3.Use adequate and verifiable mechanisms for age verification in recruitment procedures

4.Avoid having a blanket policy against hiring children under 18, as it will exclude those above the legal age for employment from decent work opportunities

5. When children below the legal working age are found in the workplace, take measures to remove them from work.

6. Help to seek viable alternatives and access to adequate services for the children and their families

7.Exercise influence on subcontractors, suppliers and other business affiliates to combat child labor

8. Develop and implement mechanisms to detect child labor

9. Where wages are not determined collectively or by minimum wage regulation, take measures to ensure that wages paid to adults take into account the needs of both them and their families.

10 Establish or participate in a task force or committee on child labor in your representative employers’ organization at the local, state or national level.

11.Support and help design educational/ vocational training, and counseling programmes for working children, and skills training for parents of working children

12. Encourage and assist in launching supplementary health and nutrition programmes for children removed from dangerous work, and provide medical care to cure children of occupational diseases and malnutrition