Few human rights abuses are so widely condemned, yet so widely unnoticed. Most children work because their families are poor and their labour is necessary for their survival. Employers often exploit children because, compared to adults, they are more vulnerable, cheaper to hire and are less likely to demand higher wages or better working conditions. Some employers falsely argue that children are particularly suited to certain types of work because of their small size and 'nimble fingers'. For many parents, sending their children to school is not an option.
Education is expensive and sometimes the nearest school is too far away.
Some parents feel that what their children will learn is irrelevant to the realities of their everyday lives and futures. As well as being a result of poverty, child labour also perpetuates poverty. Many working children do not have the opportunity to go to school and often grow up to be unskilled adults trapped in poorly paid jobs, and in turn will look to their own children to supplement the family's income. International law protects children's rights to childhood. Across the world, children are involved in a wide range of work.