In addressing this subject, it is important that the Commission maintain the distinction between all forms of child labor and the exploitation of child labor. Every job children perform is not necessarily harmful to them or their families. To eliminate this kind of work would be counterproductive. On the other hand, jobs which prevent children from attending school or which subject them to hazardous conditions are exploitative. Such labor is detrimental both to children and their countries.
Education is the key to a child's future, just as it is to a nation's future.
Rob the former of his or her opportunity to improve himself and the latter is robbed of that opportunity, too. Bearing this in mind, we must question the judgment of the nations where primary school attendance is not compulsory or state-provided or enforced. Many of the estimated 250 million children between the ages of 5 and 14 who work are compelled to do so, and sometimes under appallingly cruel conditions and at wages so low as to be nearly non-existent. In the most tragic cases children are held in bondage and even slavery. This is beyond exploitation.