Latin American countries call for end to child labor

[Omaha Steve]

http://www.hindu.com/thehindu/holnus/003200806131123.htm

RIO DE JANEIRO (Xinhua): Brazil, Colombia, Nicaragua and Chile on Thursday marked the World Day Against Child Labor by appealing for an end to child exploitation.

Brazil's President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva signed a decree that widens the scope of what can be classified as child labor in the country, including domestic work in the same category as slavery, sexual exploitation and drug trafficking.

The president said the decree provided government inspectors with instruments to punish slavery.

Lula, who worked as a bootblack on the streets of Sao Paulo in his childhood, added that many children in the country help their parents in their daily jobs.

In Brazil, 15.1 million children and teenagers aged from five to 17 years old are employed in working activities, according to the National Household Sample Survey, held in 2006, which represents 11.5 percent of all Brazilians of that age group.

The president urged adults to ensure the access to education for their children.

It is necessary to treat each type of activity in a humanitarian and differentiated manner, said the president.

FULL story at link.