UNICEF Study Guide
Note from The Chair
Dear Delegates,
Welcome to this crucial discussion on Combating the Rise of Child Labor Amidst Global
Economic Instability. As we convene to address one of the most pressing humanitarian crises of
our time, it is imperative to recognize that child labor is not merely an economic issue but a
fundamental violation of human rights. Millions of children worldwide are being deprived of
their education, health, and future due to circumstances beyond their control. The economic
downturn, inflation, conflicts, and weak enforcement of labor laws have exacerbated this crisis,
demanding urgent and coordinated global action. As representatives of your respective
nations, you hold the power to propose innovative policies, strengthen legal frameworks, and
foster international cooperation to protect vulnerable children from exploitation. I encourage
you to engage in meaningful debate, craft sustainable solutions, and, most importantly,
advocate for the rights of those who cannot speak for themselves. I look forward to an
insightful and impactful discussion.
Best regards,
Khairunissa Hussain
Chair, UNICEF Committee
Mandate
The United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund (UNICEF) is a specialized agency
of the United Nations dedicated to protecting and promoting the rights and well-being of
children worldwide. Guided by the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) and other
international legal frameworks, UNICEF works to ensure every child has access to education,
healthcare, and a safe environment free from exploitation. In the context of Combating the Rise
of Child Labor Amidst Global Economic Instability, the UNICEF Committee plays a crucial role
in addressing the root causes of child labor by advocating for stronger labor laws, promoting
access to quality education, and supporting economic and social programs that reduce
families' reliance on child labor. The committee collaborates with governments, NGOs, and the
private sector to strengthen legal protections, enforce international agreements such as ILO
Conventions No. 138 & 182, and advance Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 8.7, which
aims to eliminate child labor by 2025.
Additionally, UNICEF responds to humanitarian crises where children are most vulnerable to
exploitation, providing emergency support and protection for displaced and at-risk children.
However, it is important to note that UNICEF is a non-binding committee, meaning that while it
can recommend policies, advocate for legal reforms, and facilitate international cooperation, it
does not have the authority to enforce laws or impose sanctions on member states. Instead, its
effectiveness relies on collaboration, advocacy, and the commitment of governments and
stakeholders to implement its recommendations. Through strategic partnerships and policy
interventions, the UNICEF Committee remains at the forefront of global efforts to end child
labor and create a future where every child can thrive in a safe and nurturing environment.
Introduction to Topic
Child labor, defined as the employment of children in work that is mentally, physically, socially,
or morally harmful to their development, remains one of the most pressing issues faced by
global society today. Children subjected to labor are deprived of their childhood, education,
and potential, facing serious consequences for their future well-being. They are often
employed in hazardous sectors such as agriculture, mining, manufacturing, domestic work, and
even commercial sex, where they are exposed to dangerous environments, long working hours,
and inadequate pay. This exploitation severely impedes their physical, emotional, and
intellectual growth and perpetuates cycles of poverty and inequality.
The rise of child labor is intricately linked to global economic instability. Economic crises, such
as financial recessions, inflation, and income inequality, can exacerbate existing vulnerabilities,
pushing families into poverty. In these circumstances, families may rely on their children’s labor
as a means of survival, forcing them to choose work over education. In rural communities,
where agriculture is often the main source of livelihood, children are frequently expected to
contribute to agricultural work instead of attending school. Similarly, in urban areas, children
may be employed in factories or as domestic workers to support household income.
Economic instability also weakens governmental and institutional capacity, hindering the
enforcement of laws and regulations that protect children from exploitation. Reduced
government revenue due to economic downturns may result in cuts to public services,
including education and social welfare programs. As a result, many children are left with no
alternative but to enter the labor market at an early age. Furthermore, the breakdown of legal
protections during times of instability can create opportunities for unscrupulous employers to
exploit child laborers with little fear of reprisal.
Background
Historically, child labor was widespread during the industrial revolution, where children worked
long hours in factories and mines. Although international conventions like the United Nations
Convention on the Rights of the Child (1989) and the ILO's Convention 182 (1999) have made
progress in addressing this issue, child labor remains prevalent, particularly in low-income
countries.
Poverty is a major driver of child labor, as families in economic hardship often send their
children to work for additional income. In rural areas, children work on family farms, while in
urban settings, they may labor in factories or as domestic workers. Global economic instability,
including recessions and financial crises, exacerbates this issue by reducing government
spending on education and social services, pushing more children into the workforce. The
COVID-19 pandemic further worsened the situation, pushing millions of children into labor due
to school closures and economic disruptions.
A lack of access to quality education also contributes to child labor. In many regions, education
is either inaccessible or inadequate, making it difficult for children to stay in school and
increasing their likelihood of being forced into work. Cultural attitudes that view children as
contributors to family income further perpetuate the problem.
Key Terms
1. Child Labor: The exploitation of children through work that deprives them of their
childhood, education, and well-being, often involving hazardous or harmful tasks.
2. Child Labor Laws: Legal regulations designed to protect children from exploitation,
ensuring they are not employed in work that interferes with their education,
development, or safety.
3. Hazardous Work: Tasks that pose physical, mental, or emotional risks to the health and
well-being of children. This may include working with dangerous machinery, chemicals,
or in unsafe environments.
4. Exploitation: The unfair treatment or use of a person, especially for financial gain, in a
way that benefits the employer or other parties at the expense of the individual’s
well-being and rights.
5. International Labour Organization (ILO): A United Nations agency focused on
promoting social justice and fair labor practices worldwide, including the elimination of
child labor.
6. United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC): An international treaty
adopted by the United Nations in 1989, which outlines the rights of children, including
protection from exploitative labor.
7. Worst Forms of Child Labor: A category outlined by ILO Convention 182 that includes
the most harmful types of child labor, such as slavery, trafficking, forced labor, and
hazardous work.
8. Poverty: The state of being extremely poor, which is often a leading cause of child labor
as families in poverty may rely on their children’s labor to survive.
9. Economic Instability: Conditions where the economy faces disruptions, such as
recessions or financial crises, which can increase poverty and reduce government
spending on social services, leading to higher rates of child labor.
10.Social Safety Nets: Government programs designed to protect individuals and families
from economic hardship, such as unemployment benefits, food assistance, and
healthcare support, which can help reduce child labor.
11.Access to Education: The availability of quality education for all children, which plays a
critical role in preventing child labor by providing children with alternatives to work.
12.Supply Chains: The series of steps involved in producing goods and services, from raw
materials to finished products. Child labor may be present in various stages of the
supply chain, especially in low-cost production environments.
13.Minimum Age Convention: A standard set by the ILO that establishes the minimum
legal age at which children can be employed, typically set at 14 years old for most
countries.
14.Labor Force Participation: The engagement of individuals in the workforce, including
children who may be forced into labor rather than attending school.
15.Informal Sector: Part of the economy that is not regulated by government laws, where
many children work in unregistered jobs that lack legal protections.
Case Studies
Child Labor in the Cocoa Industry (West Africa)
In countries like Ivory Coast and Ghana, which are two of the largest producers of cocoa
worldwide, child labor is prevalent. It is estimated that more than 1 million children work on
cocoa farms in these regions, often in hazardous conditions. They are exposed to dangerous
tools, pesticides, and long working hours, which can harm their health and education. Many
children are trafficked or coerced into working, with families struggling to make ends meet in
poverty. Efforts by organizations such as the International Labour Organization (ILO) and Fair
Trade have worked to reduce child labor by promoting sustainable farming practices, ensuring
better wages for workers, and certifying fair trade products. However, challenges remain in
monitoring supply chains and ensuring that all cocoa producers adhere to labor standards.
The Garment Industry in Bangladesh
Bangladesh is one of the largest producers of textiles and garments, and many children work in
the garment factories that manufacture clothing for international brands. Although Bangladesh
has made strides in improving labor conditions, the garment sector still relies heavily on cheap
labor, including that of children. Children are often employed in unsafe conditions, working
long hours for low wages, with little to no access to education. Following the 2013 Rana Plaza
factory collapse, which killed over 1,100 workers, global attention shifted towards labor rights
in Bangladesh, prompting reforms in labor laws and factory safety. However, challenges such as
weak enforcement of child labor laws and the continued demand for low-cost clothing mean
that child labor remains an issue in many factories.
Child Labor in the Mining Industry (Democratic Republic of Congo)
The mining industry in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is another example where
child labor is rampant. Children, some as young as seven years old, work in the mining of
cobalt, a vital mineral used in the production of batteries for electronics and electric vehicles.
These children are subjected to hazardous conditions, working long hours in dangerous,
unregulated mines. Exposure to toxic substances, lack of protective equipment, and physical
harm from the mining process are common risks. The presence of child labor in the DRC's
mining sector is closely tied to the global demand for cobalt and the lack of effective
regulation within the supply chain. International efforts by organizations like UNICEF and the
DRC government have aimed to address the issue by raising awareness, enforcing laws, and
promoting better working conditions, but child labor remains widespread due to deep-rooted
poverty and inadequate legal enforcement.
Causes of the Problem
1. Poverty:
Poverty is one of the most significant drivers of child labor. Families living in poverty
often lack sufficient resources to meet basic needs such as food, shelter, and healthcare.
In such situations, children are seen as additional sources of income. Parents may send
their children to work rather than school because the immediate need for money
outweighs the long-term benefits of education. In regions where poverty is widespread,
children are often forced to contribute to the family’s survival, even at the cost of their
own development.
2. Lack of Access to Quality Education:
Education is a critical factor in breaking the cycle of poverty and preventing child labor.
However, in many parts of the world, especially in low-income countries, there is a lack
of access to quality education. Schools may be underfunded, overcrowded, or far away,
making it difficult for children to attend. In some cases, education is not seen as a
priority, and children are pushed into the workforce to help support their families. The
absence of affordable and accessible education perpetuates the need for children to
work rather than gain the skills and knowledge necessary to improve their futures.
3. Weak Legal Protections and Enforcement:
In many countries, laws against child labor exist, but they are often poorly enforced due
to corruption, lack of resources, or weak governance. In these countries, child labor is
widespread because there is little oversight or legal protection. Employers may take
advantage of the absence of strong labor laws, hiring children at lower wages and in
dangerous conditions without facing significant consequences. Even when laws exist,
enforcement may be inadequate in rural or informal sectors, where most child labor
occurs.
4. Economic Instability and Crises:
Global economic instability, including financial recessions, inflation, and economic
crises, can increase child labor. Economic downturns often result in higher
unemployment rates and reduced family income, leading families to rely on children’s
labor to make ends meet. The financial pressures caused by such instability can force
children into the workforce, especially in informal sectors where labor laws are not
strictly applied. The COVID-19 pandemic is a recent example, as it led to widespread
economic disruption, loss of income, and school closures, pushing millions of children
into labor.
5. Global Demand for Cheap Labor:
The demand for cheap labor in industries such as agriculture, manufacturing, and
mining fuels the exploitation of children. International companies and consumers often
prioritize low costs, which can lead to the use of child labor in supply chains, especially
in industries like textiles, cocoa, and electronics. In countries where child labor is
prevalent, children may be employed to keep production costs low, which in turn
contributes to the perpetuation of child labor. The lack of transparency in supply chains
and weak monitoring systems makes it difficult to eliminate child labor in global
industries.
6. Trafficking and Exploitation:
Child trafficking, often linked to organized crime, is a significant cause of child labor in
certain regions. Children are trafficked from one country or region to another for
exploitative labor in industries such as domestic work, sex work, or agriculture. These
children may be forced or coerced into work, with little to no regard for their safety or
well-being. Trafficking for child labor is often driven by poverty, lack of opportunities,
and the demand for cheap labor, making it a highly exploitative practice.
7. Natural Disasters and Conflict:
Natural disasters, armed conflict, and displacement can exacerbate the problem of child
labor. During or after a crisis, families may lose their homes, livelihoods, and access to
education, forcing children to work for survival. Refugee camps and conflict zones often
see a rise in child labor as families struggle to rebuild their lives. Children may be forced
into exploitative work, including in the sex trade or armed groups, as a means of
survival or due to the breakdown of social structures and legal protections.
Impacts
Here are five key impacts of child labor:
1. Harmful Effects on Physical and Mental Health:
Children engaged in labor, especially in hazardous conditions such as mining or factory
work, face serious physical and mental health risks. They are often exposed to
dangerous chemicals, machinery, and long working hours, which can result in injuries,
chronic illnesses, and stunted growth. The mental strain of working in exploitative
conditions can lead to psychological trauma, stress, and anxiety, affecting their
long-term emotional and cognitive development.
2. Educational Deprivation:
Child labor often leads to children missing out on formal education, which limits their
future opportunities. Without access to education, children are unable to develop the
skills necessary for higher-paying, skilled jobs in adulthood. This perpetuates the cycle
of poverty, as uneducated children are more likely to grow up to have limited career
options and lower earning potential, continuing the reliance on child labor in
subsequent generations.
3. Economic Impact on Families and Communities:
While child labor may provide short-term income for families, it can have long-term
economic consequences. Children who miss out on education are less likely to break
free from poverty and contribute to the broader economy in more productive ways.
Additionally, communities that rely on child labor may remain underdeveloped due to a
lack of skilled workers, perpetuating cycles of poverty and limiting economic growth
and development.
4. Violation of Human Rights:
Child labor is a direct violation of children's fundamental rights, as outlined in the
United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC). Children are denied their
right to a safe childhood, education, and protection from exploitation. Forced labor,
trafficking, and other forms of child labor often lead to further abuses, including
physical and sexual abuse, further infringing upon their basic human rights.
5. Social and Psychological Consequences:
The social implications of child labor can be profound. Children who are forced into
work at an early age may miss out on building social skills, friendships, and emotional
connections that are essential for healthy development. In some cases, children may be
exploited in domestic labor or sex work, where they are isolated from their families and
communities. This lack of social interaction and support can lead to psychological
trauma, feelings of isolation, and difficulty integrating into society later in life.
Past UN Actions
United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) - 1989:
The CRC is one of the most comprehensive international legal instruments for the protection of
children's rights. It defines child labor as a violation of children’s rights, highlighting that
children must be protected from economic exploitation and from performing work that
interferes with their education or is harmful to their health. All UN member states, except the
United States, have ratified the CRC, making it a fundamental framework for addressing child
labor globally.
International Labour Organization (ILO) Conventions:
● ILO Convention No. 138 - Minimum Age Convention (1973): This convention sets the
minimum age for employment at 14 years old in most countries, although higher ages
can be set for hazardous work. It aims to protect children from being employed in
harmful labor before they reach the appropriate age for full-time employment.
● ILO Convention No. 182 - Worst Forms of Child Labor (1999): This is a key international
treaty that focuses specifically on eliminating the worst forms of child labor, including
slavery, trafficking, forced labor, and work that is detrimental to children’s health, safety,
and morals. It urges countries to take immediate action to eliminate these practices.
UN Global Goals – Sustainable Development Goal 8 (SDG 8):
The UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), adopted in 2015, include a target under
Goal 8: “Promote sustained, inclusive, and sustainable economic growth, full and productive
employment, and decent work for all.” This target includes the specific goal to eliminate child
labor in all its forms by 2025. The SDGs emphasize the need for comprehensive measures,
including improving education, social protection, and labor market policies, to prevent child
labor.
Global Education Monitoring Report (GEM Report):
The GEM Report, produced by UNESCO, monitors the progress of education systems
worldwide and identifies the links between child labor and access to education. The report
highlights how child labor is a major barrier to education and calls for investment in free,
quality education systems. It also advocates for stronger policies to address child labor,
especially in sectors such as agriculture and manufacturing.
Key Stakeholders
1. Local Communities and Families: Local communities and families are often both the
victims and the key drivers of child labor. In many cases, families in poverty are forced to
send their children to work in order to survive. Communities that lack access to
education and social safety nets may perpetuate cycles of child labor. However, families
and community members also play a pivotal role in eliminating child labor by valuing
education, supporting local initiatives to reduce poverty, and providing children with
opportunities outside of work.
2. Media and Advocacy Groups: The media plays an important role in raising awareness
about child labor, bringing attention to its consequences, and mobilizing public
opinion. Advocacy groups use media campaigns, documentaries, and research to
inform the public, push for policy change, and hold governments and corporations
accountable. The work of journalists and advocates helps shine a light on child labor
practices in supply chains, communities, and sectors that are otherwise hidden from the
public eye.
3. Consumers: Consumers have a growing role in the fight against child labor, as their
purchasing choices can influence companies to adopt ethical practices. By supporting
brands that promote fair labor standards and boycott those linked to child labor,
consumers can help reduce demand for products produced under exploitative
conditions. Consumer awareness campaigns often highlight how everyday purchases
contribute to global child labor and encourage responsible purchasing decisions.
4. Private Sector (Businesses and Corporations): Companies, especially multinational
corporations, are key stakeholders in addressing child labor, as they often operate in
industries where child labor is prevalent, such as agriculture, textiles, and mining.
Through their supply chains, businesses can either contribute to or help mitigate child
labor. Many companies are adopting Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) policies to
ensure that their operations are free from child labor and that they uphold ethical labor
practices in sourcing materials and producing goods. International initiatives, such as
the Ethical Trading Initiative (ETI) and Fair Trade certification, encourage businesses to
adopt child labor-free supply chains.
5. Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs): Numerous NGOs, both global and local,
work to combat child labor by raising awareness, providing direct support to children
and families, and advocating for policy changes. NGOs often serve as intermediaries
between affected communities and governments or international organizations. They
provide educational opportunities, offer rehabilitation and reintegration programs for
children removed from labor, and push for stronger child protection laws. Examples
include Save the Children, Anti-Slavery International, and Global March Against Child
Labor.
