South Asia must rid itself of the most heinous forms of child labour.
The debate on child labour in South Asia has today entered a phase where, compared to two earlier phases, it is more mature, knowledgeable and practical minded.
The first phase, started in the mid-1980s, involved recognition of the problem itself. However, many activists projected highly exaggerated figures and horrific situations without the backing of scientific surveys. Some international agencies quickly accepted these claims, and the world media was only too happy to report on the dismal situation in the Subcontinent. The governments, meanwhile, went on the defensive andspent a lot of energy issuing denials or challenging the numbers.
Sadly, this profuse show of concern from all sides did little to improve the lot of the millions of South Asia´s working children. The main outcome was the palpable hostility generated among consumers in the industrialised nations towards specific products and their exporting countries. Many children were dismissed due to the publicity and pressure, and they often ended up in jobs that were even more exploitative; some landed in beggary and some even in prostitution.