Copyright 1996 Journal of Commerce, Inc.
UN, US reports: Child labor down in Southeast Asian textile industry
by Ron Corben
December 18, 1996 Two studies one by the United Nations and the other by the U.S. Labor Department show the use of child labor in Southeast Asia's garments, textile and cane industries is at a relatively low level.
U.S. textile and apparel companies have been under pressure to ensure that their foreign and U.S. suppliers do not use sweatshop labor, and the findings could spur sectoral imports from Southeast Asia.
While child labor can be found in the subcontracting sector, it is "very limited," said Guy Thijs, local coordinator with the International Labor Organization.
"Our report shows that the trouble is not that bad in Southeast Asian manufacturing industries," he said.
The report, set for release by the ILO later this month, appears to mirror a survey carried out by the U.S. Labor Department earlier this year.
The U.S. study showed a decrease in the use of child labor in the international garment industry overall, with a sharp fall in Central America.
Several manufacturers working for U.S. clothing outlets ban child labor, but such codes need to be enforced, Labor Secretary Robert Reich said recently.
The American survey of retailers and manufacturers included Dayton Hudson Corp., Fruit of the Loom Inc. of Chicago, The Gap, J.C. Penney Co. of Plano, Texas, Kmart Corp. of Troy, Mich., and Nike Inc. based in Beaverton, Ore.
"Many firms have cleaned up their act in the sense that they have an established code of conducts. And they are trying to improve their record in their field," Mr. Thijs said.
In Thailand, however, Eden group, the company licensed to produce garments under the Disney Inc. label, stands accused by fired employees of using child labor through subcontractors. The company denies the allegation.
The ILO has pressed for national policies that will put a swift end to child labor in forced or slave labor and industries including mining and glassworks.
ILO estimates show more than 73 million "economically active" children in the 10 to 14 age group around the world in 1995.
The greatest numbers were in Asia some 44.6 million, followed by Africa (23.6 million) and Latin America (5.1 million). In Asia, the highest estimates were for Bhutan (55 percent), East Timor (45.4 percent), Nepal (45 percent), Bangladesh (30 percent) and Turkey (24 percent).
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