Child labour... statistics

Almost all sections of the CRC refer to the effects child labour has on children. It recognises their right to be protected from work that affects their health, education and moral development. According to recent International Labour Organisation figures,

* Globally, one in six children work;

* 218 million children aged 5 - 17 are involved in child labour worldwide;

* 126 million children work in hazardous conditions;

* The highest numbers of child labourers are in the Asia/Pacific region, where there are 122 million working children;

* The highest proportion of child labourers is in Sub Saharan Africa, where 26% of children (49 million) are involved in work.

Although prominence is given to the visible forms of work that children are involved in, such as children who work under hazardous conditions, this is not the full picture. There are working children especially in rural areas, who are mainly engaged in agricultural activities and collecting water, fuel and fodder.

In many countries, children, especially girls, from poor families work as domestic servants for other people. Almost everywhere, children, especially girls, perform unpaid work for their families, which is also a form of child labour.

Although penalties are imposed on child labour, they are too low in some countries to prevent any difference, while in some countries, legislation isn't enforced properly. Although most have compulsory education laws for children, the environmental conditions aren't right to make them useful.