CLC Calls Attention to World Day against Child Labor - Child Labor in Mines and Quarries
 

June 10, 2005
Contact: Carol McKay
 or Mark Fernando
202-835-3323
media@nclnet.org

June 12 is the International Labor Organization (ILO) World Day against Child Labor (WDACL). This year WDACL calls our attention to the use of child labor in mines and quarries, where one million children work in small scale mining operations around the world.

Work in surface and underground mines is dangerous in every way. Children work long hours, carry heavy loads, set explosives, sieve sand and dirt, crawl through long and narrow tunnels in unstable underground structures, inhale harmful dusts, are overexposed to the sun, and likely work in water - often in the presence of dangerous toxins such as lead and mercury. The work is morally and psychologically risky as well, since mining often takes place in remote areas where law, schools, and social services are unknown, where family and community support may not exist, and where "boom or bust" conditions foster alcohol abuse, drugs, and prostitution. Children mine diamonds, gold, coltan (used in products such as cell phones), and precious metals in Africa; gems and rock in Asia; and, gold, coal, emeralds, and tin in South America. Many products make their way to the United States.

The use of children in quarrying occurs in much of the developing world, with many of the same dangers. Children can be seen breaking stones alongside roads and cutting and hauling rock from pits that produce construction materials, yet no one knows for certain how many children struggle to make a living this way.

ILO pilot projects demonstrate it is possible to eliminate child labor in mining and quarrying by helping communities acquire legal rights, organize cooperatives or other productive units, improve the health and safety and productivity of adult workers, and secure essential services, such as schools, clean water and sanitation systems. The Child Labor Coalition supports the efforts of the ILO to bring awareness to the use of child labor in mines and quarries, and the ILO’s continuing work to end the worst forms of child labor.

For more information, please visit: http://www.ilo.org/public/english/standards/ipec/wdacl/2005/index.htm and www.globalmarch.org/events/index.php#1-w.

Read the Position Paper

About the Child Labor Coalition

The Child Labor Coalition is a group of more than 30 organizations, representing consumers, labor unions, educators, human rights and labor rights groups, child advocacy groups, and religious and women’s groups.  It was established in 1989, and is co-chaired by the National Consumers League and the American Federation of Teachers.  It’s mission is to protect working youth and to promote legislation, programs, and initiatives to end child labor exploitation in the United States and abroad.