Every man, woman, and child in the U.S. represents one working child. Ninety-five percent of all child workers live in developing countries. In some regions, as many as 25 percent of children between the ages of 10 and 14 are working. The Department of State's 1991 and 1992 Human Rights Reports and a 1992 ILO report attest to the growing numbers of children in servitude and their worsening conditions of work. The problem of child labor has grown along with the expansion of the global marketplace.
Child labor is cheap labor.
Children are targeted for non-skilled, labor intensive work. Child workers are docile and easily controlled. Employers have no fear of children demanding rights or organizing. Child labor creates a climate where many children support their unemployed parents. The family and future generations remain in poverty and exploitation.