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Child Labour
Miras International School
Human Rights Youth Forum
Chair: Amy Humphreys (Superstaramy0813_14@yahoo.com) Vice Chair: Juliette Guiot (cluckmaster@gmail.com)

Human Rights Youth Forum C

Amy Humphreys & Juliette Guiot

Contents
Page 3 Page 5 Page 5 Page 6 Page 7 Page 8 Page 9 Page 10 Background on Child Labour Nike Apple Disney Multinational Corporations using Child Labour Measures Taken against Child Labour Bibliography Guiding Questions

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Amy Humphreys & Juliette Guiot

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Background on Worldwide Child Labour According to UNICEF, child labour is defined as work that exceeds a minimum number of hours depending on the age of the child and the type of work. Such work is considered harmful to the child and should therefore be eliminated. 1, most countries classify a child to be under the age of 18 and many MEDCs (more economically developed countries) make education compulsory until the age of sixteen. Child labour is most commonly found in LEDC (less economically developed countries) due to the following factors o o Poverty as families use children to compliment the household revenues Education is often inaccessible or is undervalued within different societies; particularly concerning girls Globalisation children represent a cheap and flexible workforce which is appealing to employers and families with low income. Children are also valued for their vulnerability which makes them easy to control and manipulate Parent illiteracy and social apathy Exploitation of cheap and unorganised labour

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To school students around the globe, child labour is thought of being something of the past, an evil that has been vanquished. What few know, however, is that, 1 out of 7 children aged 7 to 14 are child workers. The highest use of child labourers is in Sub-Saharan Africa where 69 million children, which is 1 in every 3, are used in labour; for example, 63% of children in Mali and 47% of children in Burkina Faso toil to receive under a dollar a day. Children are often used in the workforce because they are nimble and agile, and work for extremely low wages, however the amount of work-related deaths is phenomenal; for example it is estimated that 22,000 children die each year from work related accidents 2. However, on the other hand, social scientists believe that child labour may have its benefits as it gives children a sense of responsibility and accustoms them to the harsh working life they will experience as adult, alongside bringing in small amounts of money for their family. Children are not always exploited during child labour, for example, working within the family business. This helps profit remain within the family and allows children to develop a sense of responsibility. An example of such positive child labour is helping within a family restaurant. Child labour is not necessarily negative on the basis that children can study as well as
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Child Labour. 6 March 2008. <http://www.unicef.org/protection/index_childlabour.html> What Is Child Labour?. 29 May 2009. <http://www.worksite.actu.asn.au/factsheets/what-is---child-labour.aspx>

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work. In this case, children help the worlds economy as well as allowing their family to get out of the state of poverty. Children who work from a young age gain experience which is valuable when working fulltime in the future. Being too rash and preventing child labour can cause negative side effects, such as taking away a familys income. An example of this can be found in Duncan Greens speech: Following threats by the US Congress to pass legislation preventing the import of products from Bangladesh made by children under 14, garment factory owners fired an estimated 50,000 children, mainly girls, who were forced to exchange their jobs in relatively clean, hygienic textile factories for lower paid jobs breaking bricks or collecting garbage. Some turned to prostitution. 3 Here are some statistics which state the percentage of children attending fulltime education in a particular country. The other percentage states what percentage of children work within the manufacturing field. Country Turkey Bangladesh El Salvador India Mexico Portugal Honduras Guatemala Ecuador Morocco Venezuela Angola Brazil Costa Rica Chile Ghana Cambodia Nicaragua Philippines Bolivia Paraguay Belize Peru Panama Cameroon Kenya
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% of Children in School 91.5 86.1 87.7 77 92.2 99.4 85.8 74.7 91.2 71.6 94.4 71.2 97.2 94.8 99.2 81.8 80.1 83.2 95.1 95 93.6 94.8 94.2 94.2 81.9 74.4

Manufacturi ng % 15.9 12.7 12.5 12.5 11.9 11.2 10.8 10.7 9.9 8.3 8.1 7.4 7.4 7.2 6.9 5.9 5 4.9 4.3 4 4 3.8 3 2.5 2.1 1.5

Green, Duncan. Child Workers of the Americas. January 1999. NACLA Report on the Americas, New York, U.S.A.

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Ethiopia Nepal Uganda Madagascar Yemen Burkina Faso 43.7 72.6 92.5 86.8 60.3 29.3 1.4 1.4 1.4 1 1 0.5

Multinational Corporations Using Child Labour

In an era of globalisation it is in the best interest of multinational corporations to maximise profit, in order to be more competitive and therefore successful. One of the ways for MNCs to accomplish this is to move into an LEDC (less economically developed country) and procure cheap labour. As children usually require less pay, they are therefore more profitable. This is part of the reason as to why children are employed by multinational companies and their suppliers.

Nike TM Vietnam is just one country in which Nike bases their manufacturing facilities. Many girls are found working in Nike factories seven days a week, and at least fourteen hours a day. In one Vietnamese factory, girls are required to make eleven pairs of shoes within a day, and they earn (US$) 20 an hour. If they work overtime, theyre not paid. This puts large pressure on the children, and yet they dont even receive $20 a week. The working conditions are also terrible: the children work in dark, hot rooms, and the poorly ventilated environment frequently smells of glue. Nike, however, has taken an hypocritical stance, especially when in contact with the media. Nikes CEO, Philip Knight, has declared to the press: I think thats always been true, that basically we have not had a problem with child labour. It has been somewhat of a problem in the apparel industry, but it hasnt been a problem at Nike factories. When comparing a child paid 20c an hour, and the average price of Nike trainers, $150, one must be led to ponder exactly how much money goes towards the producers, and how much to the shareholders. Basketball player, Michael Jordan, was paid $20 million to wear Nikes Air Jordan sneakers. Ironically, Jordan got paid millions more than the workers themselves. When Jordan was questioned on child labour, he stated I dont know the complete situation. Why Should I? Im trying to do my job. Hopefully, Nike will do the right thing, whatever that might be. A more extensive report about Nikes activities in Vietnam can be found here: http://www.viet.net/~nike/reports/report1.html Human Rights Youth Forum C Amy Humphreys & Juliette Guiot

Apple TM Recently, Apple has been scrutinised for its revealed use of child labour. In a published report identifying the instances of child labour in the manufacturing facilities of its suppliers. The location of these factories is unknown, but it is suspected to be in China. Unlike Nike, Apple has been showing a remarkable amount of corporate responsibility, first by publishing these issues and secondly by stating in its annual supplier report that in each of the three facilities, we required a review of all employment recorders for the year as well as complete analysis of hiring process to clarify how underage people have been able to gain employment 4. Apple has taken action against child labour, stating in the child labour report that the company had discovered three facilities that had previously hired 15-yearold workers in countries where the minimum age for employment is 16. Across the three facilities, our auditors found records of 11 workers who had been hired prior to reaching the legal age, although the workers were no longer underage or no longer in active employment at the time of our audit. 5

Disney TM Disney, a brand which typically promoted as child friendly, astonishingly uses children to manufacture stuffed toys, clothes, and McDonalds TM Happy Meal figurines representing Disney characters. For many years, Disney has been an active supporter of UNICEF, which has firm rules and regulations against child labour, however Disney continues to secretly use child labour whilst being fully aware of possible consequences. Disneys Code Of Conduct states that manufacturers will not use child labour 6. Yet ironically, Disney does. It continues to state that manufacturers will provide employees with a safe and healthy workplace 7, while many manufacturing facilities expose their employees to acetone, a chemical solvent used to make and paint plastic toys, which can cause dizziness, unconsciousness, damage to the liver and kidneys, nose, throat and skin irritation. 8 Workers have complained
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Apple Admits Using Child Labour. 27 Feb 2010. <http://www.telegraph.co.uk/technology/apple/7330986/Apple-admits-using-childlabour.html> 5 Apple Supplier Audit. 2010. <http://images.apple.com/supplierresponsiblity/pdf/SR_2010_Progress_Report.pdf> 6 Disney- Code of Conduct for Manufacturers. 1996. <http://corporate.disney.go.com/responsibility/codeofconduct.html> 7 Ibid. 8 Disney the Kingdom of Child Labour Violations. <http://www.anomaliesunlimited.com/Disney/Labor.html>

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about these unsafe working conditions but all appeals from local human and labour right groups continue to be rejected by the management which refuses to improve the ventilation system in the factory or remedy other unsafe working conditions. Additionally, the employees have no health insurance coverage and receive no compensation for injury or sickness. In 2005, Meghan Madura reported that the children are forced to work in vile conditions, diminishing their basic rights and exploiting their innocence. While providing cheap labour, the children are defenceless against bullying, beatings, and sexual abuse the factory conditions are hazardous to their health. There is no ventilation and the use of unsanitary bathrooms is only allowed twice a day. Children are forced to work thirteen to fifteen hour days that can last up to twenty-two hours with only three days off in nine months. 9

Other Companies Using Child Labour Here are some other multinational corporations which have either been suspected or prosecuted using child labour. You may research for discussion. GAP Old Navy Levi Strauss Mattel (Barbie) Speedo Coca Cola Nestle Chevron Firestone Pizza Hut (namely in the USA) Target Sams Club Subway Banana Republic Tommy Hilfiger Ralph Lauren Wal-Mart Nokia McDonalds Adidas Hanes Cadburys Chocolate (aiming to end labour by April 2010) Primark Clothing Lowes Taco Bell Chuck. E. Cheese

For reference of the above listed, see footnote.10

Walt Disney and Child Slave Labour. <http://ihscslnews.org/view_article.php?id=70> What Companies Use Child Labour? March 2010. <http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20100317073048AASoQBc>
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Human Rights Youth Forum C

Amy Humphreys & Juliette Guiot

Measures Taken Against Child Labour

According to the ETI (Ethical Trading Initiative), if an MNC discovers that a supplier uses child labour, this MNC should: ensure the gradual transition of child workers from their job to a school, and work with the supplier to end this infraction to the human rights declaration. If child labour continues to be used by the supplier, the company should terminate their business with them. Many companies which have been discovered using child labour have destroyed (in the case of Gap) or taken off the shelves the incriminated products. While this makes a powerful statement, the utility of these actions is rather unclear. One thing is sure: child labour is negative advertisement for any multinational corporation, and any press coverage thereof will be accompanied by strict decisions on the companys part. Many countries support local organisations working to suppress child labour. An example of this is the VLW, the Vietnam Labour Watch, which was created to monitor Nike activities in Vietnam. Some countries have signed up with UNICEF or the ILO, which each have their own regulations against child labour. Countries signed up with such organisations are expected to follow the rules or face possible expulsion for the organisation. Many countries also have NGOs (nongovernment organisations) setting rules on child labour. If a company supports these, they are also expected to follow the rules. Therefore, the consequences faced by a company which has not been obeying is often hard to come by.

Human Rights Youth Forum C

Amy Humphreys & Juliette Guiot

Bibliography
Listed below are sites that we have used to create this report, along with some other sites that may have some valuable information for your further research. Save The Children. Accessed: 23 February 2010. <http://www.savethechilden.net/vietnam> Nike Shoes and Child Labour in Pakistan. Accessed: 23 February 2010. <http://www1.american.edy/TED/nike.htm> Nikes Labour Practices. Accessed: 23 February 2010. <http://www.icmrindia.org/casestudies/catalogue/Business %20Ethics/BECG018.htm> Nikes Dirty Little Secret to Success. Accessed: 23 February 2010. <http://www.usveterandispatch.com/story24.htm> Child Labour in Transition in Vietnam. Accessed: 23 February 2010. <http://unpan1.un.org/intradoc/groups/public/documents/apcity/unpan005947.p df> HCM City: Child Labour Tales From Clothing Industry. Accessed: 23 February 2010. <http://english.vietnamnet.vn/reports/200911/HCM-City-Child-labour-tales-fromclothing-industry-878755/> Child Labour Guide. Accessed: 8 March 2010. <http://uk.oneworld.net/guides/childlabour? gclid=CKOf9PvwqJACFc9i4wodsnDLZA> Causes of Child Labour. Accessed: 8 March 2010. <http://www.childlabor.in/causes-of-child-labour.htm> Images of Child Labour. Accessed: 8 March 2010. <http://www.childlaborphotoproject.org/childlabor.html> The Worst Form of Child Labour Data. Accessed: 10 March 2010. <http://www.globalmarch.org/worstformsreport/world/turkey.html> Disney- The Kingdom of Child Labour Violations. Accessed: 14 March 2010. <http://www.anomalies-unlimited.com/Disney/Labor.html> Disney in Child Labour Storm. Accessed: 14 March 2010. <http://www.china.org.cn/china/news/2009/05/17/content_17787852.htm> Human Rights Youth Forum C Amy Humphreys & Juliette Guiot

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Headline Grabbing- Journalistic Trash: Apple Admits Using Child Labour. Accessed: 14 March 2010 <http://gipscorp.com/blog/2010/03/01/headline-grabbing-%E2%80%93journalistic-trash-apple-admits-using-child-labour/> Disney Code of Conduct for Manufacturers. Accessed: 14 March 2010. <http://corporate.disney.go.com/responsibility/codeofconduct.html> Walt Disney and Child Slave Labour. Accessed: 17 March 2010. <http://ihscslnews.org/view_article.php?id=70> What Companies Use Child Labour? Accessed: 17 March 2010. <http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20100317073048AASoQBc>

Human Rights Youth Forum C

Amy Humphreys & Juliette Guiot

Guiding Questions
These questions are designed to help you begin your research process in preparation for the discussions which take place. These questions will not formally be answered, but are just guides in aims for you to develop an opinionand possible solutions!- on the topic. Further knowledge and research is required to take an active part in the discussion! By the way, someone who hasnt done any work is quickly spotted! 1. Is it a revelation or a crime that some parents willingly send their children off to work in a factory to survive? 2. Is it then cruel for Nike to give them the chance? 3. Some multinational companies accused of using child labour defended themselves by saying that they were unaware of this violation of human rights. According to those MNCs, it was their supplier, and not themselves, who made the decision to employ children. Blatant lie or little-known truth? Why? 4. Should a differentiation be made when speaking of child labour and teenage labour? 5. Assuming a child is not malnourished or working in unsafe and violent conditions, can it still be considered a violation of human rights? Or unethical? 6. What possible solutions could be explored to put an end to child labour?

If there are any issues regarding this topic, please dont hesitate to contact either Amy or Juliette!

Human Rights Youth Forum C

Amy Humphreys & Juliette Guiot