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Foreword
Two years ago, when Congress enacted Trade Promotion Authority in the Trade Act of 2002, the United States gained a unique opportunity to open up new overseas markets for U.S. exporters and generate more high paying jobs for Americans. But Trade Promotion Authority has done more than stimulate the free exchange of goods that is essential to economic growth in America. It has also strengthened our nation’s position as a global leader in the expansion of economic freedom, democracy, and human rights in Asia, Africa, Europe, Latin America, and the Middle East.
Through the opening of new markets with our free trade partners, America can help to alleviate the devastating poverty experienced by many families in developing countries. Addressing this poverty can give parents in developing nations hope for their children’s future. As important as this is to individual families, it is equally critical for nations as a whole. The future of entire nations depends on the quality and range of opportunities that are provided to their children, such as a chance to be educated in a good school under the guidance of a well-trained teacher; access to quality health care; and access to nutritious and affordable food. It also depends on the provision and protection of basic, internationally recognized human rights, including the right to freedom from exploitative child labor. Eliminating exploitative child labor will not only help provide children with opportunities to learn and grow, but can also help create more employment opportunities for adults.
In this third annual report on the Department of Labor’s Findings on the Worst Forms of Child Labor, mandated under the Trade and Development Act of 2000, we provide new, updated information on the nature and extent of child labor in 144 trade beneficiary countries and territories. The report describes the type of work that children are doing, the laws and enforcement policies that exist to protect them, and the efforts being made by their governments to meet international commitments to eliminate the worst forms of child labor. In this year’s report, readers will note that many governments, on their own or in collaboration with other foreign governments, non-governmental organizations or individuals, have initiated significant, innovative policies or programs to address the worst forms of child labor. A number of these new child labor and education initiatives were given impetus by the bilateral agreements developed under the Trade Act of 2002. It is our hope that in the coming year, more free trade agreements and stronger partnerships can be forged to further support the significant gains that have already been made in eliminating exploitative child labor.
Arnold Levine
Deputy Under Secretary for International Affairs
U.S. Department of Labor
April 19, 2004
