*EPF220 06/03/2003
Text: U.S. Labor Dept. Details Global Child Labor Practices
(Says administration committed to eliminating worst forms) (540)

The U.S. Department of Labor has issued a report detailing child labor practices in 146 countries and governments' efforts to eliminate the worst forms.

U.S. trading partners are required by the Trade and Development Act of 2000 to eliminate the worst forms of child labor, the department said in a June 3 press release.

The annual report is the second issued by the department, according to the document's foreward.

"Allowing the practice of child labor to exist is inconsistent with the opportunities befitting an enlightened nation," said Elaine Chao, labor secretary.

The worst forms of child labor include slavery and practices similar to slavery, the trafficking of children, forcing children into armed conflict or drug trafficking, prostitution and work likely to harm the health or safety of children.

The United States is committed helping to eliminate child labor around the world, Chao said.

The report is available at: http://www.dol.gov/ILAB/media/reports/iclp/TDA2002/overview.htm.

Following is the text of the Labor Department's press release:

(begin text)

Labor Department Issues Report on Child Labor in Trade Beneficiary Countries
Report Specified Under the Trade and Development Act

WASHINGTON -- The Labor Department today released its second annual report on the worst forms of child labor in 146 countries and territories that receive U.S. trade benefits.

Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao noted in announcing the report, "The United States supports free trade and believes that all people can and should benefit from its enormous opportunities. Countries that enjoy the benefits of free trade and greater economic opportunities have the responsibility to assure fundamental freedoms and human rights. Allowing the practice of child labor to exist is inconsistent with the opportunities befitting an enlightened nation. The United States will continue its efforts around the world to eliminate such exploitation."

The department's Bureau of International Labor Affairs prepared "The Department of Labor's 2002 Findings on the Worst Forms of Child Labor" in response to a child labor reporting requirement under the Trade and Development Act of 2000. Under this act, trade beneficiary countries and territories are required to implement their international commitments to eliminate the worst forms of child labor. As defined by International Labor Organization Convention 182, the worst forms of child labor are any form of slavery or practices similar to slavery, such as forced or indentured child labor, the trafficking of children and the forced recruitment of children for use in armed conflict; child prostitution and pornography; the use of children in illicit activities such as drug trafficking; and work that is likely to harm the health, safety or morals of children. The report presents information on the nature and extent of the problem in each of these 146 countries and territories and the efforts being made by their governments to eliminate the worst forms of child labor.

The bureau's International Child Labor Program collected data from a wide variety of sources, including the State Department, U.S. Embassies and Consulates, foreign governments, nongovernmental organizations and international agencies. In addition, bureau staff conducted field visits to many of the countries covered in the report.

The report is available at: http://www.dol.gov/ILAB/media/reports/iclp/TDA2002/overview.htm.

(end text)

(Distributed by the Bureau of International Information Programs, U.S. Department of State. Web site: http://usinfo.state.gov)

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