The Department of Labor announced Tuesday a report prepared by the agency's Bureau of International Labor Affairs detailing the sordid state of child labor around the world.
Titled "Findings on the Worst Forms of Child Labor," the report, now on its 13th edition, is prepared every year to assess the progress of over 140 countries that have made an effort to reduce child labor in its worst forms. Each year, it rates advancements as non-existent, minimal, moderate or significant. The report also recommends actions that countries can take towards eliminating child labor via social programs, policies, coordination, enforcement, and legislation.
"This report shines a light on the estimated 168 million children around the world who toil in the shadows," said U.S. Labor Secretary Thomas E. Perez.
"We are seeing more countries take action to address the issue, but the world can and must do more to accelerate these efforts. When children are learning rather than working, families flourish, economies grow and nations prosper," he added.
Carol Pier, Labor for International Affairs deputy undersecretary, noted that more than just an assessment, the report "is also a roadmap for change." She hopes that the report spurs individual and group action to provide aid to vulnerable children all over the world, providing them with a means for finding a brighter future.
The annual report is a mandate under the Trade Development Act of 2000. For this year, it introduces a brand-new format for profiling countries, making it easier to use and consequently becoming a better tool for policies to promote engagement.
Significant advancement assessments were awarded to 13 countries this year, including Uganda, Tunisia, South Africa, the Philippines, Peru, El Salvador, Ecuador, Ivory Coast, Costa Rica, Colombia, Chile, Brazil, and Albania. Last year, there were only 10.
Countries that have not advanced in dealing with child labor in their jurisdictions include Norfolk Island, Motserrat, the Falkland Islands, Eritrea, Cook Islands, the Republic of Congo, Central African Republic, and the British Virgin Islands.
Perez revealed as well that the Department of Labor will be giving Winrock International $7 million for the global implementation of a project that will support countries who desire to improve how they are combating child labor.
The report estimates that 168 million children between the ages of 5 and 17 were shackled to child labor in 2013. More than half of the estimates are employed to do hazardous work while at least six million are in forced labor. Still a gruesome number considering child labor rates have dropped 30 percent from 2000 to 2012.
