As a result, they may contribute little to their country's growth. Instead of producing goods and services, they will need them. But progress is being made. Today, more than 285 such schools have been established and more are on the way. Indeed, Mr. Chairman, ending abusive child labor practices would be a victory for us all.
Armed conflict is another vicious enemy of children.
It tramples their rights and often leaves them scarred for life. And yet we see instance after instance of war and civil insurrection in which boys no older than 12 are conscripted and sent into combat. For girls there is the horror of rape, an all too common adjunct of war and civil strife. The United States vigorously condemns all instances of rape, and even more the systematic practice of it as a weapon of war. There is no excuse for the community of nations to tolerate such practices, and we call on all nations to implement and enforce their obligations fully under the laws of armed conflict to protect non-combatants.