Strengthening the Human Rights Regime

Child labor has occurred at some point in time in virtually all parts of the world as nations have undergone different stages of development. Child labor deprives children of their childhood and their dignity. Children who do not complete their primary education are likely to remain illiterate and never acquire the skills needed to get a job and contribute to the development of a modern economy. Consequently child labor results in scores of under-skilled, unqualified workers and jeopardizes future improvements of skills in the workforce. Child labor occurs because of the pressures of poverty and lack of development but also simply as a result of exploitation. [UN Global Compact, Principle Five Abolition of Child Labour].

The Millennium Development Goals Report, 2006, stated that while progress was being made in improving access to primary education, there were disparities in progress, and that the poorest, often those in rural areas, are being left behind. The report states further that "High rates of poverty in rural areas limit educational opportunities because of demands for children’s labour".
The Global Task Force on Child Labour and Education for All states that "education is a key vehicle through which economically and socially marginalized children, youth and adults can lift themselves out of poverty and obtain the means to participate fully in their communities".

There is a strong counter-argument to this point which is set forth by The Concerned for Working Children, Child Labour Perspectives, wherein it is stated, "The equation between child labour and education is not a simple equation...The present strategy of removing a child from work and putting him/her into an education institution has not worked because the economic and social problems that pushed this child into the labour market have not changed and remain a driving force for both the family and the child. Formal education is not a magic wand...Schools do not solve poverty, deprivation, unemployment and discrimination".

While I agree that education is not a magic wand, it is good starting point. Certainly, the issues surrounding child labor are complex but without education the children who labor will be unable to rise above their circumstances. I also agree that a more definitive course of action is needed in order to address the social and economic needs of the children which are unique to every culture and situation. There cannot be a one-size-fits-all solution. In reality, the idealistic approach represents form over substance. The over-abundance of literature on child labor professes to address the causes and remedies but the impact which is necessary to keep children out of harm's way has not been made. What is deperately needed is action instead of rhetoric.