Essay On Forced Child Labor

Stemming from a fundamental disregard for basic human rights, the travesty that is forced child labor has become a complex and pervasive issue in the globalized world of today. Any form of child labor for monetary gain, particularly when perpetrated by a third party, should be considered “forced”. The populations that are most vulnerable to the practice of child labor are those who are often discriminated against and excluded from society (e.g., girls, ethnic and racial minorities, lower classes or castes, the disabled, displaced persons, and those in rural areas) [1]. In many countries, cultural norms, along with socioeconomic status and education, are key determinants of child labor – with poverty and economic instability playing a pivotal role in shaping the market for forced child labor [1]. Furthermore, inadequate laws prohibiting children in the labor force and the lack of enforcement of these laws can be attributed to widespread corruption within legislative, judicial, and police departments. Consequently, forced child labor contributes to the perpetuation of poverty, resulting in a vicious cycle of vulnerability and tragedy. …show more content…
The interrelatedness and interdependency of human rights, as outlined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), is evident and particularly poignant when discussing the causes and consequences of forced child labor. The UDHR declares that everyone has the right to employment, free education, and an adequate standard of living for the health and well-being of oneself and one’s family, as well as the right to be free from inhumane or degrading treatment [4]. However, through the practice of child labor, children are denied their right to education, while often being subjected to work environments that are cruel, harsh and