Taking a Stand Against Child Labour in Global Supply Chains

In an interconnected world where the flow of goods and services traverses nations and continents, it is disheartening to discover that child labour continues to pervade global supply chains. A recent study conducted by Save the Children Germany and its subsidiary, The Centre for Child Rights and Business, sheds light on the widespread risks associated with child labour in various industries such as manufacturing, agriculture, and mining across eight countries. This article aims to delve into the key findings of the study, titled “Child Rights Risks in Global Supply Chains: Why a ‘Zero Tolerance’ Approach is not Enough,” and emphasize the urgent need for comprehensive actions to eradicate child labour.

Examining the Study’s Insights

The study involved a comprehensive evaluation of 20 child rights risk assessments conducted in international supply chains between 2019 and 2022. These assessments provided valuable data on risk factors and business practices within the manufacturing, agriculture, and mining sectors in Ethiopia, Brazil, India, Indonesia, Sri Lanka, Vietnam, Turkey, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Through interviews with 2,750 parents and 1,800 children, alongside discussions with stakeholders and communities, the study presented a thorough analysis of the prevailing child rights situation within today’s supply chains.