Statement by the American Federation of Teachers
In Support of the March for Children's Rights

The AFT is proud to stand in solidarity with organizations fighting to abolish oppressive child labor practices. As the United Nations Children's summit takes place, we join the many voices advocating for stronger protections for the rights of children and greater enforcement of national and international laws already in place. The International Labor Organization estimates that 250 million children worldwide under the age of 15 are forced to work. Some of these children are forced to work as prostitutes, in pornography, in drug trafficking or as soldiers. Enslaved children work 12 to 14 hours a day or more; as a result, these children are cut off from educational opportunities and trapped in a cycle of poverty. About half of these children receive no education at all.

The American Federation of Teachers Child Labor Project works to raise awareness among students, teachers and our members of the problems of child labor across the globe and here in the United States. Through this project, the AFT stresses the importance of guaranteeing all children the opportunity for an education. By continuing to bring the evil practice of forced labor of children into the public light, we can end this abuse.

The AFT has produced an educational resource for teachers called, "Lost Futures: The Problem of Child Labor." The packet includes a video and teachers' guide with lesson plan suggestions aimed at educating Americans about how child labor practices overseas and at home hurt us all, and what we can do to put an end to such abuses.

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