Family Poverty and the Exploitation of Child Labor*

Abstract

This paper discusses five particular aspects of the problems of child labor and family poverty. First, the forms and extent of the exploitation of child labor are defined. Secondly, family poverty, and the economic, cultural and social factors leading to the exploitation of child labor are explored. In part three, the achievements and difficulties in the implementation of programs to eliminate the exploitation of child labor are examined, followed in part four by some comments about certain international instruments which relate to child labor.Finally, the paper considers future government and non‐government action at the national, regional and international levels to relieve poverty and eliminate the economic exploitation of children.