This precept has long applied in Japan and Hong Kong and applies now in Chile and Korea. Direct government intervention makes sense in dealing with child labor and in other cases where the market may produce adverse outcomes, such as discrimination against women. But legislation alone has been ineffective. It needs to be complemented by other policies, such as low-cost education and better access for women to formal sector jobs. India has sound child labor laws, yet millions of children are working, often in hazardous conditions.
Child labor is partly a reflection of poverty.
But it is not necessary to wait for a reduction in the poverty rate to tackle the most life-threatening and demeaning aspects of child labor. In the town of Pagsanjan in the Philippines civic action dramatically reduced child prostitution. In Brazil, India, and the Philippines local action, with public support, is improving the health status of working children and giving them greater educational opportunities. Governments also have to set policy for public employment. Many public sector workers work hard and productively.