Category: Child Labor

Introduction

The issue of child labor is directly associated with a discussion of the population and economic progress in less-developed countries. In her article “Long Hours, Meager Wages: Child Labor Continues in Myanmar,”Roxana Saberi discusses the problem of child labor in Myanmar. The purpose of this paper is to summarize the key points of the article and provide the economic analysis of the issue presented in Saberi’s article with the focus on major economic models related to the problem.

Summary

Saberi’s article is focused on discussing the aspects of child labor in Yangon, Myanmar, with reference to the problem’s roots, its details, and possible ways to address the issue. The author discusses the problem of child labor in this less-developed country in the context of presenting the story of Soe Min Lwin, a 12-year-old boy who works at a tea shop in Yangon. Soe Min Lwin works “every day from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m.,” and his wage is about one dollar a day (Saberi). The boy has an opportunity to attend classes only for six hours a week.

As it is stated in the article, the boy’s employer does not regard child labor as an inappropriate practice because this child is the main breadwinner in his family, and such employment provides children with opportunities not only to earn but also to eat at their workplace. Thus, according to Saberi, children in Myanmar are viewed as the “pillars of Myanmar’s economy, with many working as housecleaners, factory hands and shop assistants,” and this practice is discussed as normal in these social environments.

The recent economic changes in the country are associated with the development of cities, and many children move from rural territories to urban areas in order to find work and support their families. Poverty is typical of this country’s population; therefore, it is also possible to find brokers who assist employers in hiring children while believing that jobs are important for these children to help them survive (Saberi).

As a result, about 30% of children in the country are employed (Saberi). Furthermore, in spite of authorities’ efforts to stop this practice, the laws are not effectively enforced in the country, and the attempts to address child labor can have negative social consequences. Thus, according to Saberi, many American companies operating in the country are against hiring children, but leaders doubt the consequences of firing children for their families. Furthermore, in many cases, there are no possibilities for these companies to focus on due diligence and check employment in the entire supply chain.

Economic Analysis

Child labor is the reality for many less-developed countries, including Myanmar, because of economic advantages available to employers who cannot provide potential employees with all required conditions and appropriate wages. Furthermore, the extreme poverty in the country makes families use all opportunities to employ family members in order to increase their income. Therefore, the first important point to analyze is the connection between the socio-economic status of families, poverty, children’s education in less-developed countries, and child labor.

As it is stated in the article, the recent economic changes in the country have created more opportunities to employ children in the service sector in urban areas (Saberi). The problem is that these positions are often not provided officially, and the proposed wages are low. Therefore, employers choose to hire children, and their parents do not oppose this practice because of the impossibility to earn enough money. Beegle et al. explain the phenomenon of sending children to work while stating that “child labor is associated with an increased likelihood of wage work, which is itself linked with higher living standards” (887). Thus, for many families in Myanmar, child labor can be viewed as the only chance to improve their financial state.

Researchers pay attention to a certain vicious circle associated with the problem: less-developed countries have no resources to improve their economies because of the overall low level of education and progress in them; children are limited in their opportunities to attend classes and receive an education because of poverty; the lack of education for children contributes to developing poverty in a country (Beegle et al. 875; Gertler 336). Thus, according to Beegle et al., the increase in child labor is correlated with the decrease in school attendance and children’s education, and this aspect negatively affects the socio-economic situation in the country (875).

As it is noted by Gertler, “children from poor families begin life at a distinct disadvantage,” and their health and education are poorer in comparison to other children (336). Thus, the living conditions of these young persons can force them to find jobs and support their families. In spite of the fact that some business owners in Myanmar can be interested in providing education and training for young locals, these initiatives are discussed only at the governmental level (Saberi). According to Gertler, such programs oriented to providing children from less-developed countries with education, health care, and training can be effective to contribute to improving the situation in these countries (340).

Another point to discuss is the migration of children from rural areas to urban ones in order to find jobs. According to Saberi, there is a tendency in Myanmar to employ children from rural territories because of the lack of jobs in villages. The rural-urban migration is actively discussed by Nafziger in his work, and the reason is the active industrialization in cities (303).

While referring to the case of Myanmar and the discussed article, it is possible to note that, in this context, the reason is the development of the service sector and increases in the income of some proportion of the country’s population (Saberi). To explain this tendency, it is possible to apply the economic model of migration developed by John Harris and Michael Todaro. According to the Harris-Todaro model, employees migrate because of their desire to receive higher wages; thus, they expect to earn more in cities (Nafziger 304). While discussing the situation in Myanmar in the context of this model, it is possible to state that young employees and their families expect that there are more jobs in cities and the proposed wages are appropriate to support families.

Conclusion

In the article by Saberi, Myanmar is presented as an example of a country where child labor is a problem that requires its solution at the governmental and other levels. Thus, in spite of the fact that American companies are ready to oppose the practice of employing children in this less-developed country, there are no guarantees that their partners and suppliers do not hire children. The problem is that the laws against child labor cannot be effectively enforced in this context, and the practice of hiring children is viewed as normal in the country with high rates of poverty and unemployment.

Works Cited

Beegle, Kathleen, et al. “Why Should We Care about Child Labor? The Education, Labor Market, and Health Consequences of Child Labor.” Journal of Human Resources, vol. 44, no. 4, 2009, pp. 871-889.

Gertler, Paul. “Do Conditional Cash Transfers Improve Child Health? Evidence from PROGRESA’s Control Randomized Experiment.” The American Economic Review, vol. 94, no. 2, 2004, pp. 336-341.

Nafziger, Wayne E. Economic Development. 5th ed., Cambridge University Press, 2012.

Saberi, Roxana. “Long Hours, Meager Wages: Child Labor Continues in Myanmar.” Al Jazeera America, 2015.

Abstract

In the developing, overpopulated countries, child labor is often institutionalized for economic reasons, further perpetuating multi-generational poverty. Indian law is not concerned with abolishing child labor and fails in regulating it while the children are exploited and harmed. Until eighteen years of age, the child cannot own their labor; therefore, parents may sell these labor rights or even their child. Moreover, fourteen is the minimum age for working in dangerous conditions, while in Nigeria and the Philippines the age is eighteen. The Nigerian legal instruments as to the worst forms of child labor, especially child trafficking, are in concert with international law; however, the problem of poverty needs to be further addressed. In the Philippines, though child labor laws are based on internationally accepted approaches, the penalization of victims occurs, as punishment for violations is imposed upon parents, further perpetuating the problem. In conclusion, child labor is a systemic issue, and the laws on child employment need to be reflective of it.

Introduction

Child labor is one of the crucial issues the world still faces today. International laws provide regulation of child employment; however, this paper argues that in developing countries the local legislature often is more permissible. Thus, the problem becomes institutionalized, and the cycle of poverty perpetuated. This paper will examine the legislature on the problem in developing countries such as India, the Philippines, and Nigeria by critically analyzing specific academic articles.

Child Labor Law in India: Ramanathan’s perspective

Usha Ramanathan in his 2016 article “On Engaging with the Law: Revisiting Child Labour” on the Indian child labor laws examines the inefficiency of the existing corpus juris in regulating the matter. Children in India work in shops, houses, and fields. They are employed in multiple workspaces and industries not regulated by law, as, for example, the begging on the street in India is commonly realized by children.

An Overview of Legislature

Ramanathan states that “the Children (Pledging of Labour) Act (CLPRA) of 1933 presumes the capacity of a parent to pledge the labor of a child: a statement in law acknowledging that till majority (i.e., 18 years) a child cannot own even her own labor” (2016, pp. 264-265). As a result, not only is the child unable to enter into a legal contract of employment, but the parents have the right to sell rights to the child’s labor, or even to the child as a whole. The implications of the country’s economic need for the employment of children are thoroughly discussed, as are other factors, such as the public perception of the issue, and the population growth problem in the context of poverty.

The Mechanics of the Law and the Institutionalization of Child Labor

Next, Ramanathan discusses the mechanics of law and stresses that neither the Indian Constitution, nor the CLPRA is concerned with the abolition of child labor, but of merely the hazardous aspects of it (2016). The poverty of the Indian population, therefore, contributes to the fact that the law does not see the phenomenon as a problem. Discussing the prohibition aspect, the author explains why the laws and their revisions have been ineffective in regulating child employment in hazardous conditions, and how the legal definitions are enabling the exploitation of children. The aspect of the legal system failing those employed in industries not regulated by law, and, thus, victimized, is thoroughly addressed with cases’ examples included.

Discussion

To sum up, Ramanathan sees the need for abolition of child labor in India, though they are more concerned with elucidating the children’s condition than the mechanics of the Indian legal system. The Indian scholar sees a lack of pragmatism in the laws enumerated in the article and finds them dehumanizing. Ramanathan cohesively links the roles poverty, employment in the family business, and illiteracy play in the extent of the problem; however, the strength of his argument is undermined by the use of slang.

Ali and Khan on Overcoming Child Labor in India

Hasnaim Ali and Mr. Samsuddin Khan in their 2012 article “The Overcoming of Child Labour in India: In Perspective of Constitutional and Legislative Framework,” attempt to examine the existing body of laws on the issue. The Constitution is stated to be effective in safeguarding the children who work, and the corresponding Articles are enumerated; however, in contrast with the previous scholar, the authors fail to notice that it allows the problem to persist. The only Article that is concerned with age merely states that no children under the age of fourteen “shall be employed to work in any factory or mine or engaged in any other hazardous employment” (Ali&Khan, 2012, p.84). Addressing other legislative provisions, among them CLPRA, they enumerate the ways these Acts regulate child employment and protection of young workers. Once again, the Indian authors are unclear in their discussion, and repeatedly stress that the existing laws are successful in securing the children’s health and well-being. However, as seen in the previous article, it is not the case.

Causes of Child Labor

Next, Ali and Khan focus on the causes of the phenomenon. Once again, poverty, overpopulation, and customs are cited to be the case. More importantly, they address the issues of industrialization, government apathy, and insufficient enforcement of the legislation as well. Strikingly, the authors then blame the children for these issues, stating that these “are mostly silent listeners or non-listeners of the policies and programs meant for them and hence, their problems are not properly realized” (Ali&Khan, 2012, p.86). One might think, then, that the scholars would like these poor, uneducated children to be more active in raising the issues they have no control over. The notion is all the more absurd, as further on in the article the authors discuss the harmful impact of labor on children, naming the section Challenges.

Legislative Efforts Aimed at Combating the Problem

The authors then continue with the present scenario and legislative efforts both international, such as those adopted by the UN, and local, such as the 1987 National policy on child labor. National Human Rights Commission is stated to be concerned with the working children’s lack of access to education. However, the scholars are mostly declarative in these sections of the paper and are not concerned with adopting a more pragmatic approach and demonstrating whether or not these efforts had any effects on the persistence of the problem in India.

Discussion

The authors introduce their work in an unscholarly manner; moreover, the document contains numerous mistakes in using the English language. Ali and Khan fail to critically approach the notion of institutionalization of child labor in India, merely stating that the phenomenon is widespread. To sum up, therefore, the scholars’ main failing consists in not addressing the possibility of the abolishment of child labor, as they see the phenomenon as necessary; moreover, they place the blame on the working children.

Worst Forms of Child Labour in Nigeria

Nwazuoke and Igwe in their 2016 article Worst Forms of Child Labour in Nigeria: An Appraisal of International and Local Legal Regimes aim to identify main concerns with the issue. Additionally, they present a “comprehensive study of international and local legal instruments against child labor” (Nwazuoke & Igwe, 2016, p. 69). The authors examine the worst forms of child labor as defined by international and local legal instruments, and identify their causes and consequences. It is worth noting that under Nigerian law, the child is taken to mean a person under 18 years of age, not 14 as in India.

The Legal Instruments

The International Labor Organization (ILO) thus enumerates the worst forms of child labor: slavery in all its forms, prostitution and related activities, other illicit activities such as those related to drugs, and any form of work that may harm the morals, health or safety of the child. Nwazuoke and Igwe, then, comprehensively analyze the legal instruments concerned with the trafficking of children, such as the Palermo Protocol and the 2003 Trafficking in Persons (Prohibition) Law, Enforcement and Administration Act, and the Child’s Rights Act of the same year. As trafficking presents a significant problem in all of Africa, the scholars thoroughly discuss the legal implications for the guilty party, as well as the obligations of the state. Concerning child slavery and prostitution, they thoroughly cite the corresponding forms of punishment, such as terms of imprisonment and fines.

Causes of Child Labor in Nigeria

As to the causes of child labor, the authors address the problem of poverty and the high rate of unemployment in Nigeria. As to the lack of education, Nwazuoke and Igwe stress that the regions “where between 60% – 70% of child labor is prevalent, do not possess adequate school facilities” (2016, p. 79). Citing harmful cultural practices, such as rationalizing child labor as character-building, they address the issue of gender discrimination and child neglect as well. Specific consequences of child labor, thoroughly enumerated by the authors, include injury, death, disability, sexual abuse, and the perpetuation of poverty and crime.

Discussion

Moreover, Nigerian laws offer better protection of children as to the forms of employment that are likely to be harmful to their morals, health, and safety. This notion is all the more significant, as the article by Ali and Khan states that in India those over 14 years of age are allowed to work, for example, in a mine. Using a pragmatic approach, Nwazuoke & Igwe propose specific recommendations to the state, citing the need for appropriate training and adequate facilities for the law enforcement agents, and an enhancement in travel security measures aimed at combating child trafficking. The scholars are, unfortunately, brief as to the proposed measures of reducing poverty, choosing instead to address the issue of human trafficking further.

Child Labor Law in the Philippines

In her 2016 article “Eradication of Child Labor in the Philippines: Shifting the Financial Burden of Child Labor Law Violations from Parents to Employers,” Ju focuses on the effects of Republic Act No.9231 (Act) on combating the problem of child exploitation. In implementing the principal international conventions, the act establishes the minimum age of employment as fifteen, prohibits those “under the age of eighteen from engaging in the worst forms of child labor,” and establishes penalties for violation of the corresponding laws for both parents and employers (Ju, 2016, p. 178).

Emphasizing the Domestic Context

Next, the problem in its global context is succinctly addressed, as are its adverse effects on the underage laborers’ health, education perspectives, and personal development. By employing research and statistics, the scholar finds that eight percent of the country’s children between five and seventeen years of age were engaged in child labor in 2011 (Ju, 2016, p. 183). Most of these worked in the agricultural or service sector, however under six percent were employed in dangerous industries, such as gold mining (Ju, 2016). Next, the author provides an examination of the links between poverty and interrupted education, the latter being crucial in perpetuating the generational aspect of the former.

Penalizing the Victim

The second section of Ju’s paper elucidates the reader on the legal framework that governs the phenomenon both globally and in the domestic context, via a thorough examination of international conventions and the way the Act successfully implements these. However, stressing the poverty of a significant part of the population, Ju finds the “schedule of penalties on parents and employers who violate child labor provisions” aspect of the Act detrimental to tackling the issue of child labor, as it imposes “additional financial burdens” on the already struggling parents, while penalties for employers are marginally higher (Ju, 2016, p. 191). Additionally, as the provision includes imprisonment as a form of punishment, the victim is further penalized. In the conditions of poverty, child labor is an additional source of income for the family, more so in the case of losing a parent due to incarceration.

Discussion

Providing a strong argument, Ju proposes that the penalties imposed by the Act on parents should be eliminated, and those for the employees should be appropriately raised, taking into account the worst forms of child labor as well. The scholar is thorough in substantiating their claim, citing statistics, and presenting a relevant case analysis. The author is thorough in elucidating the influence of multi-generational poverty on the phenomenon in the Philippines, citing a lack of education of both parents and children as crucial in perpetuating it. Most importantly, Ju addresses the aspect of global supply chains as perpetuating child labor in the growing economy, while the Indian scholars fail to address the issue.

Conclusion

In conclusion, this research has examined the problem of child labor in the developing countries and the role the corresponding legal instruments play in combating or sustaining it. Based on the critical analysis of the Indian articles, one could conclude that child labor is institutionalized in the country, and not every scholar sees the need for its abolishment. The Filipino laws, meanwhile, penalize the victim, thus contributing to the perpetuation of multi-generational poverty and further exploitation of children. Therefore, there exists a need for changes in the legislatures of these two countries. In Nigeria, poverty and lack of access to education perpetuate the problem; however, the scholars see the need for combating the worst forms of child labor as crucial. In conclusion, child labor is a systemic issue, and the law-makers need to view it as such.

References

Ali, H., & Khan, M. S. (2012). The Overcoming of Child Labour in India: In Perspective of Constitutional and Legislative Framework. Journal of Business Management & Social Sciences Research, 1(3), 84-85. Web.

Ju, D. (2016). Eradication of Child Labor in the Philippines: Shifting the Financial Burden of Child Labor Law Violations from Parents to Employers. George Washington International Law Review, 49, 175-203. Web.

Nwazuoke, A. N., & Igwe, C. A. (2016). Worst Forms of Child Labour in Nigeria: An Appraisal of International and Local Legal Regimes. Beijing Law Review, 7, 69-82. Web.

Ramanathan, U. (1998). On Engaging with the Law: Revisiting Child Labour. The Indian Law Institute. Journal of the Indian Law Institute, 40(1/4), 263-283. Web.

Introduction

Sugar is an indispensable part of everyday life for the majority of the world population. People consume sugar eating sweets, chocolates, and cakes, drinking carbonated beverages, tea, and coffee. Human society is so accustomed to sugar that even language reflects a positive attitude towards this crystalline carbohydrate. Nevertheless, people rarely think at what price they enjoy candies and sweet tea. To reduce costs of human resources, sugar manufacturers exploit child labor on sugarcane plantations paying little money to their young workers. Children and adolescents have to work hard full day what inevitably affects their physical and mental health. The purpose of this paper is to analyze three articles about the unethical use of child labor by the manufacturers of sugar.

Life not Sweet: Article by Lah

The article Life not Sweet for Philippines’ Sugar Cane Child Workers by Kyung Lah was posted on edition.cnn.com on May 2, 2012. The author gives a broad overview of child labor as a common practice on sugarcane plantations in the Philippines. Even seven-year-old children can work full day under the blazing sun. At this age, they withdraw weeds from sugarcane rows. According to Lah, “the International Labor Organization (ILO) estimates 2.4 million child workers are in the Philippines” (4). More than half of these children and adolescents are occupied in dangerous conditions. Children leave schools and go to work because their families starve. They do not have time to learn at work, and they become too tired after the shift to study at home. This situation leads to a high percentage of the illiterate population in the Philippines and consequently creates obstacles for the development of the country in terms of culture and technologies. Qualified labor is undermined by the abundance of cheap human resources. The population of Northern Mindanao in the Philippines accepts the use of child labor without any concern.

Families ask the owners of sugarcane plantations to give work to their children. The low level of life and the constant shortage of food are the primary reasons for this behavior. Parents see their children as capable workers without taking into account their young age. People in every part of the world have sugar on their tables because somewhere far away in the Philippines children work seven hours per day on plantations. The president of the Sugar Industry Foundation knows about the high percentage of child labor in the industry (Lah 16). From her point of view, the problem cannot be solved in the short term because of family traditions and the positive attitude of parents to child labor. The Coca-Cola Foundation as one of the biggest purchasers of sugar declares that it “does not support, encourage or endorse any form of child labor in our operations throughout our global bottling system or in our supplier network” (Lah 18).

Bitter Harvest: Study by Schwarzbach and Richardson

The article by Natasha Schwarzbach and Ben Richardson was published in the UC Davis Journal of International Law and Policy in 2014. The authors explore numerous aspects of child labor in sugarcane agriculture as a prominent issue in society. Schwarzbach and Richardson claim that “the agricultural sector employs an estimated 98 million children, or 59% of the total number of child laborers worldwide” (99). The authors try to classify the abusive work, enumerate the challenges in eradicating child labor, and list the existing certification standards in the sugarcane industry. The authors divide the abusive exploitation of child labor on sugarcane plantations in three categories: hazardous work, harmful adult work, and exploitative work (Schwarzbach and Richardson 100). Children and adolescents have to occupy themselves in dangerous activities. They use sharp tools, suffer from the chemicals used in the industry, endure long hours under the blazing sun on the hot field. They have to crouch and carry heavy objects, working as adults. Children work because their parents have no food. Therefore, they need to provide for themselves and their families. Children are paid less for their job in comparison to their adult coworkers, spending seven hours per day on the field. The main problem of eradicating child labor in the sugarcane industry is the inability and unwillingness of plantation owners and parents to recognize the problem. People see child labor as a common practice.

Hazardous Work: Research by Castro and Hunting

The study by Charita Castro and Katherine Hunting was published in the American Journal of Industrial Medicine in 2013. The authors explore the risks of the agriculture industry for children and adolescents employed in fields in the Philippines. Several factors were measured in terms of their harmfulness to the physical and mental health of young workers. According to Castro and Hunting, “working in agriculture had a fivefold risk of non-fatal injury compared to children working in other industries” (709). The use of sharp tools in sugarcane fields can lead to serious lacerations. Carrying of heavy loads does irreversible damage to the spine and legs of children. Long exposure to bright sunlight and heat provokes the development of skin cancer. Monotonous work on the field exhausts children and adolescents, prevents the development of their mental capabilities, and leaves no time for school. Nevertheless, child labor in sugarcane fields is not considered as an abuse in the majority of developing countries.

Conclusion

Sugar is one of the basic food products in every household. People like to add sugar in tea and coffee, to consume it in the form of candies and desserts. Nevertheless, people do not think about the real price of sugar. The manufacturers of sugar unethically exploit child labor on their plantations paying little money to their workers. Children and adolescents are very vulnerable because they cannot evaluate the price of their labor. At the same time, they have to work hard long hours under the blazing sun. Exhaustion can seriously affect their physical and mental health. In the meantime, even parents do not consider child labor in sugarcane fields to be harmful. All the above facts support the need for strict control of child labor on sugarcane plantations.

Works Cited

Castro, Charita L., and Katherine Hunting. “Measuring Hazardous Work and Identifying Risk Factors for Non‐fatal Injuries Among Children Working in Philippine Agriculture.” American Journal of Industrial Medicine, vol. 56, no. 6, 2013, pp. 709-719.

Lah, Kyung, “Life Not Sweet for Philippines’ Sugar Cane Child Workers.” CNN, 2012. Web.

Schwarzbach, Natasha, and Ben Richardson. “A Bitter Harvest: Child Labor in Sugarcane Agriculture and the Role of Certification Systems.” UC Davis Journal of International Law and Policy, vol. 21, no. 1, 2014, pp. 99-128.

Introduction

In a world where ethical production is becoming as important as ever, the issue of child labor remains unsolved and dismissed by many major companies. By definition, child labor is the illegal use of children and adolescents in industries or businesses where they are often forced to fulfill their duties in inhuman, harmful conditions. Despite numerous adverse effects of child labor, many organizations, especially those involved in the fashion industry, still outsource production to developing countries and overlook if minimum age requirements are met. This essay will discuss the role that H&M and its CEO might play in eliminating child labor and setting a positive example for other large companies.

Main body

Due to rapid growth throughout the last several decades, H&M, a large Swedish company, developed an outsourcing strategy that so far includes suppliers from 39 countries. Currently, 98,5% of production is outsourced; production is processed and manufactured in Europe, Asia, Africa, and North America (H&M, n.d.).

Even though in its vision, H&M claims that it supports and fosters self-autonomy and sustainability in suppliers, the company has generated a number of controversies regarding child labor. For instance, it was revealed that 14-year-old workers were hired at Myanmar factories and their daily working hours amounted to 12 (Butler, 2016). In taking measures to tackle the problem, H&M might show how a large corporation may recover its reputation and pave the way for other organizations.

H&M might adopt several strategies to address the pressing issue. Since the company has always been active and engaged on many social media platforms, it has a wide outreach regarding communicating the message. First, the company could use hashtags to spread factual information about child labor. For instance, the fact that almost 11% of the overall child population is involved in child labor is alarming (International Labor Organization, 2015).

Second, H&M could generate educational content in which it would advocate for the importance of continuing education for children. In many developing countries, for instance, Bangladesh and India that collaborate with H&M, the learning process is often disrupted due to families’ financial instability. Thus, the first audiences of these two campaigns would-be consumers and families in developing countries respectively. Yet, it is clear that providing the issue with more publicity will not address it on a deeper level.

One may argue that it would be more useful to take measures on-site, and namely, in these countries where child labor was documented. Extensive use of child labor usually has many underlying reasons each of which should be addressed separately by both the organization and a country’s authority. What H&M is capable of doing is getting the manufacturing more centralized and setting strict standards concerning minimum wage and employees’ age. However, excessive control may only aggravate the situation, and, thus, promoting a shared vision with the managing boards of supplying companies could be more workable. Lastly, partaking in charity and development programs could help more children and adolescents stay in school instead of starting work.

Conclusion

Not any kind of employment in children and adolescents is considered child labor. However, if working interferes with a young employee’s physical and psychological development and learning goals, such a case should be investigated. H&M has the resources to be a major influencer and a role model in revising its past mistakes and making a meaningful change. To address the issue of child labor, the company could employ an array of social media to raise awareness. On-site, the organization could set better standards, advocate for a shared work philosophy with collaborating companies, and make education more available.

References

Butler, S. (2016). H&M factories in Myanmar employed 14-year-old workers. The Guardian. Web.

H&M. (n.d.) Supplier list. Web.

International Labor Organization. (2015). World report on child labor. Paving the way to decent work for young people. Web.