An estimated 211 million children between the ages of 5 and 14 are working around the world according to the International Labor Organization.
Of these, 120 million children are working full time to help support their impoverished families. Although child labor is most common in the Global South, it is found throughout the world, including the US. Child laborers are often exposed to conditions extremely harmful to their physical and mental well-being.
The International Labor Rights Forum has played a leading role in fighting to eradicate forced and child labor by highlighting the use of child labor in the production of imported goods from foreign countries, increasing consumer awareness and action, and promoting the passage of important legislation. ILRF works to advocate for the implementation of the International Labor Organization Conventions [3] concerning child and forced labor. Learn how protecting freedom of association can help to stop child labor here [4].