In South Asia, children are engaged in various types of work including those that are classified as ‘hazardous’. Although there are inter-country variations in South Asia, the basic factors that generate child labour in general, and hazardous child labour in particular, are basically similar. These include poverty, lack of basic quality education, demographic pressure and social exclusion.
Legal frameworks and policy legislation on child labour in South Asia on the issue of child labour is well pronounced and enabling. However, enforcement and implementation of these laws remain a challenge. Over the years, it has increasingly been realized that collective action by all social partners and a convergence based approach to elimination of child labour is required.
The International Programme for Elimination of Child Labour (IPEC) provides technical support to the countries world wide to address the problems of child labour. IPEC strategy in South Asia has over the last two decades moved successfully from advocacy and awareness on the issue to direct action that includes policy advice through research and pilot interventions.