DOL Issues Annual Report on Child Labor with Emphasis on Enforcement
DOL Issues Annual Report on Child Labor with Emphasis on ... Littler Mendelson PC
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DOL Issues Annual Report on Child Labor with Emphasis on Enforcement
By Robert W. Pritchard, Lee Schreter, Emily Linn, Michael Congiu, and Lavanga Wijekoon on October 5, 2023
The Bureau of Internal Labor Affairs (ILAB) of the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) recently released its 2022 Findings on the Worst Forms of Child Labor Report. The report analyzes the state of child labor in 131 countries and territories, including the United States, and provides recommendations to combat illegal child labor practices. The report focuses on child labor and the “worst forms of child labor,” which include slavery, forced labor, child prostitution, and work that is likely to harm the health, safety, or morals of children.
The report assigns rankings to each country based on their efforts to eliminate child labor. Countries that have made significant advancements in combating child labor include Argentina, Colombia, Côte d’Ivoire, and Uzbekistan. On the other hand, countries such as Anguilla, the British Virgin Islands, and Afghanistan received the lowest ranking of “No Advancement” due to their lack of effort in preventing child labor.
The report also highlights child labor in the United States, noting that violations of child labor laws still occur. The DOL has increased its enforcement efforts, resulting in a significant increase in findings of federal child labor violations and penalties assessed. Companies are also reminded of their responsibility to address child labor in their supply chains, including through subcontractors and staffing agencies.
It is important for companies to assess the child labor risks in their global operations and ensure compliance with applicable laws. The report serves as a tool for companies to evaluate the elevated risk of child labor in different countries. Companies should stay informed about developments in child labor enforcement and modify their programs and policies accordingly.
Overall, the DOL’s annual report emphasizes the importance of enforcing child labor laws and encourages companies to take action to combat child labor in their operations.
Footnotes
- The DOL continues to focus on enforcement of child labor violations, with special attention to supply chain violations, including through subcontractors and staffing agencies.
- Recent publicity on this issue has highlighted how dangerous forms of child labor, and in particular child labor involving young migrants, should encourage companies to assess whether and to what extent their U.S. operations should be analyzed for these concerns.
- The country rankings in the Report are intended to serve as a risk assessment tool for companies to conduct human rights due diligence of their global operations.
- The country rankings may also impact some countries’ trade relations with the United States.
For more information, you can read the full report here.
Disclaimer: Information contained in this publication is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice or opinion, nor is it a substitute for the professional judgment of an attorney.
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
1. No Poverty
- Target 1.2: By 2030, reduce at least by half the proportion of men, women, and children of all ages living in poverty in all its dimensions according to national definitions.
4. Quality Education
- Target 4.4: By 2030, substantially increase the number of youth and adults who have relevant skills, including technical and vocational skills, for employment, decent jobs, and entrepreneurship.
8. Decent Work and Economic Growth
- Target 8.7: Take immediate and effective measures to eradicate forced labor, end modern slavery and human trafficking, and secure the prohibition and elimination of the worst forms of child labor, including recruitment and use of child soldiers, and by 2025 end child labor in all its forms.
12. Responsible Consumption and Production
- Target 12.7: Promote public procurement practices that are sustainable, in accordance with national policies and priorities.
16. Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions
- Target 16.2: End abuse, exploitation, trafficking, and all forms of violence against and torture of children.
Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| 1. No Poverty | Target 1.2: By 2030, reduce at least by half the proportion of men, women, and children of all ages living in poverty in all its dimensions according to national definitions. | N/A |
| 4. Quality Education | Target 4.4: By 2030, substantially increase the number of youth and adults who have relevant skills, including technical and vocational skills, for employment, decent jobs, and entrepreneurship. | N/A |
| 8. Decent Work and Economic Growth | Target 8.7: Take immediate and effective measures to eradicate forced labor, end modern slavery and human trafficking, and secure the prohibition and elimination of the worst forms of child labor, including recruitment and use of child soldiers, and by 2025 end child labor in all its forms. | N/A |
| 12. Responsible Consumption and Production | Target 12.7: Promote public procurement practices that are sustainable, in accordance with national policies and priorities. | N/A |
| 16. Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions | Target 16.2: End abuse, exploitation, trafficking, and all forms of violence against and torture of children. | N/A |
Explanation:
1. The article discusses child labor violations, which are connected to SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) and its target 8.7 to eradicate forced labor and end child labor in all its forms.
2. The specific target mentioned in the article is target 8.7, which focuses on eradicating forced labor, ending modern slavery and human trafficking, and eliminating the worst forms of child labor.
3. The article does not mention any specific indicators that can be used to measure progress towards target 8.7.
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Source: littler.com
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