Small Hands

This paper is designed to help development policy analysts and practitioners analyze the causes of child work and develop strategies for action. Drawing on SCF's experiences world wide and that of other organizations, the paper examines the complex and varied causes of child work, including structural inequality, the effects of adjustment programmes, the globalization of market economies and local, social, cultural and political factors. It analyzes the ingredients of successful and less successful interventions which aim to address these causes and to improve children's working conditions. this includes action on macro economic and social policy issues, legislation, education, anti-poverty programmes, rescues of working children, advocacy and awareness-raising. Reflecting SCF's overseas experience, the main focus is child work in the South. However, recognizing that children work and face hazards and exploitation worldwide, reference is also made to children's work in the North.
It is intended that this paper will enable international, governmental and non-governmental organizations to work together and more effectively on child work issues in ways that promote the wellbeing of the working child.