According to UNICEF figures, more than 160 million children work worldwide, and in Peru 18% of children under 14 are victims of child labor. Child labor is a problem because it puts their physical, mental and social development at risk, as well as interferes with their schooling. According to the ILO, child labor affects children by:
- Depriving them of their childhood, potential and dignity.
- Depriving them of the opportunity to go to school.
- Forcing them to leave school early.
- Requiring them to try to combine school attendance with long hours of hard work.
Some of the factors that influence child labor are:
- Poverty and unemployment
- Inadequate or weak public education systems
- Cultural traditions and attitudes rooted in child labor
- Inadequate application of laws and regulations
- Civil or political unrest or natural disasters.
Considering these factors, UNICEF proposes 4 strategies that have proven effective in eliminating child labor:
- Drastic reduction of poverty.
- Access to quality and relevant education.
- Providing quality employment to adults responsible for children.
- Ending social norms that legitimize child labor.
Fast fashion has pushed companies to look for cheaper sources of labor: children. Their involvement in the textile value chain can range from obtaining raw materials (picking cotton), spinning and manufacturing garments in factories. This is seen mainly in countries such as China, Bangladesh and India. However, it is important that textile companies around the world promote a production chain free of child labor. This is the case of Silkeborg, in addition to not hiring child labor, it promotes and ensures a value chain free of child labor. This commitment is also part of the fair trade principles, which Silkeborg subscribes to.
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