Child labour � an update briefing from Article 13

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
(Free-Press-Release.com) December 10, 2003 --

Article 13 unlocks the innovation opportunities of corporate responsibility to deliver competitive edge and a �new way of doing business�. We implement these opportunities in business and government, both within the UK and internationally.

This month, Article 13 has taken a different approach to the issues of governance and responsibility, looking at them through the eyes of youth. As part of this theme, Article 13 has given a top line briefing on child labour.

Key facts

UNICEF estimates that 246 million children are engaged in child labour, 90% of whom are from Africa and Asia (ILO). Three quarters of these children work in hazardous situations or conditions such as mines, machinery, chemicals and pesticides. Other forms of �work� include street trading and worryingly, armed conflict (ILO estimates that 300,000 children under 18 are being used as labour for 36 conflicts around the world).



What are the causes of child labour?

There are a variety of causes from supplementing parents� subsistence income to escaping the plight of poverty



What are the consequences?

Working conditions are often extremely severe, and do not provide an environment for a child�s social or physical development. It is widely acknowledge that education is the key to the development of a society. Labour draws children away from education, a trend that desperately needs to be reversed

What is being done?

International non governmental organisations, businesses, local governments are all active in tackling the causes and consequences of child labour. To find out more read the briefing paper at Article 13's website www.article13.com.



Also on the website is an innovative project in New Delhi, India, empowering street children to help themselves, giving a different perspectives on ways in which child labour can be tackled.



Ends



Article 13 unlocks the innovation opportunities of corporate social responsibility to deliver competitive edge and a �new way of doing business�. We implement these opportunities in business and government, both within the UK and internationally.

We are innovators � identifying the key issues and emerging trends for CSR through our work, through our original research and through our strong networks. www.article13.com distils the best of the information for you in our opinion forming articles, briefing papers and best practice case studies. Be sure to visit the site regularly as we analyse a new trend and topic area every 6 weeks.

Article 13's co-directors, Neela Bettridge, Jane Fiona Cumming and Dr Paul Toyne, have extensive experience in a number of critical fields: business strategy, participative planning and processes, the social and environmental arenas and communications. Article 13 also draws on the wisdom of distinguished advisors: Professor Dave Owen, Chris Hoare, Professor Colin Gilligan, Neill Irwin, Andrew Acland and Professor Mike Jones. This panel, in turn, is complemented by a network of specialists drawn from the social, environmental, economic, ethical and business worlds.



For further information please contact Rupali Patni

Article 13

Bradley House

26 St Albans Lane

London NW11 7QE

Tel: 0208 731 7700

Fax: 020 8731 8800

rupalip@article13.com

www.article13.com