This document summarizes information about child labor from multiple sources. It defines child labor according to international standards and explores its causes, global prevalence, and human impacts. Several organizations working to address child labor through education, activism and policy reform are described. Real-life cases of children affected by labor in various countries are presented to illustrate the issue. The conclusion reflects on how learning about child labor can deepen understanding of human rights and global citizenship.

1. Child Laborhttp://www.globalenvision.org/library/9/939By: Maxx Cadmus, Daniel Choe, and SwayamSinha

2. Definitionof Child Labor UNICEF defines child labor as work that exceeds a minimum number of hours, depending on the age of a child and on the type of work. Such work is considered harmful to the child and should therefore be eliminated. Ages 5-11: At least one hour of economic work or 28 hours of domestic work per week. Ages 12-14: At least 14 hours of economic work or 28 hours of domestic work per week. Ages 15-17: At least 43 hours of economic or domestic work per week. Source: http://www.unicef.org/protection/index_childlabour.html

3. Definitions of Child LaborThough definitions vary, child labor means work that is done by children under the age of 15 (14 in some developing countries) which restricts or damages a child's physical, emotional, intellectual, social and/or spiritual growth.Sometimes, work does not harm children. Work may even help them to learn new skills or to develop a sense of responsibility.Most people agree that when we speak about child labor, we mean labor which is intolerable or harmful to children, or which denies them their right to fully develop, to play or to go to school. Child labor includes:• Work performed by children under the age of 15• Long hours of work on a regular or full-time basis• Abusive treatment by the employer• No access, or poor access, to educationSource: http://www.freethechildren.com/getinvolved/geteducated/childlabour.htm#0012

4. DefinitionsDefinition of the child LaborEvery human being below 18 years unless majority is attained earlier according to the law applicable to the child.Source: http://www.hrea.org/feature-events/simplified-crc.html

5. Consequences of Child LaborAll child labor is dangerous, and illegal Children could die, and suffer from the conditions that they are working in.For example: a child working in the rock business would be in a mine, and the mine could collapse and then the child would die.A child overworked could hurt their bodies in any way depending of which type of Labor the are in.This proves that we should not put children into labor, because this could happen to them.

6. Explanation/Causes of Child LaborThese are some of the causes of Child Labor:Poverty. Poor families need to keep as many family members working as possible to ensure income security and survival. This makes it very difficult for poor families to invest in their children's education. In fact, educating a child can be a significant financial burden.In many instances "free" public education is in fact very costly to a poor family.Family size. Poor households tend to have more children, and with large families there is a greater likelihood that children will work and have lower school attendance and completion.Inadequate school facilities. Many children live in areas that do not have adequate school facilities, so they work. Many countries do not have free compulsory education for all, which is an obstacle to sending working children to school.Immoral employers. Some employers hire children because they can pay them less money. They also offer poor working conditions because children are less likely to complain.Source: http://www.freethechildren.com/getinvolved/geteducated/childlabour.htm