U.S. Labor Department issues reports on international child labor and forced labor

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While anti-union groups organized to disrupt delivery of health care reform, the Obama administration was busy doing good disrupting through information the practice of child labor and forced labor. The U.S. Department of Labor’s Bureau of International Labor Affairs has released three reports on child labor and/or forced labor in countries around the globe. The documents include the initial “List of Goods Produced by Child or Forced Labor” required by the Trafficking Victims Protection Reauthorization Act of 2005.

“It is my strong hope that consumers, firms, governments, labor unions and other stakeholders will use this information to translate their economic power into a force for good that ultimately will eliminate abusive child labor and forced labor,” said Secretary of Labor Hilda L. Solis.In a statement that reminded groups like the U.S. Chamber of Commerce why they vehemently opposed her values Solis continues:

“Child labor and forced labor are inexcusable abuses of human rights, and these reports show that they continue to be a problem in 21st century society. We must do everything in our power to end these shameful practices.

“While the United States is fundamentally opposed to the exploitation of any worker, the plight of children and adults working in forced labor is especially severe. These individuals are among the world’s most vulnerable, and we have a moral duty to help and protect them.

“There is much we can do together to remedy this problem. The Labor Department’s projects around the globe have helped rescue almost 1.3 million children from exploitive labor, offering them new hope through education and training. And, as I engage in a dialogue with my international counterparts, I will continue emphasizing the importance of eradicating forced labor and child labor. After all, ending such practices represents a global challenge, and international cooperation is essential in finding effective and lasting solutions.
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FULL ARTICLE
http://talkingunion.wordpress.com/2009/09/30/u-s-labor-department-issues-reports-on-international-child-labor-and-forced-labor/




Office of Child Labor, Forced Labor, and Human Trafficking (OCFT) Publications
http://www.dol.gov/ilab/media/reports/iclp/main.htm