Child Labor Prevention Task Force Launched by Congressman Dan Kildee and Congresswoman Hillary Scholten
WASHINGTON—Congressman Dan Kildee (MI-08) and Congresswoman Hillary Scholten (MI-03) today launched the Child Labor Prevention Task Force.
Recent reports have documented the rise in companies illegally employing children in dangerous jobs, which has led to several children being seriously injured. These reports show child labor is a systemic issue throughout the country, with children illegally making products for major corporations in the automotive, processed food and textile industries.
Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
- Goal 4: Quality Education
- Goal 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
- Goal 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
Objectives of the Child Labor Prevention Task Force
- Push to advance legislation to fight illegal child labor, including increasing penalties for child labor violations.
- Meet with congressional leadership, committee chairs and ranking members to ensure illegal child labor is more urgently addressed.
- Conduct oversight of federal agencies to ensure the federal government is taking strong enforcement actions to rid our supply chains of child labor.
- Hold informational events with experts and officials from the administration to educate Members of Congress and staff about illegal child labor.
“Children should be in school, not working dangerous factory jobs,” said Congressman Kildee. “Congress must do more to strengthen our efforts to combat child labor. That’s why I am proud to launch the Child Labor Prevention Task Force with Congresswoman Scholten. I look forward to working with my Republican and Democratic colleagues to address this urgent issue.”
“The problem of child labor exploitation in this country is multi-faceted, and it requires a multi-system solution. Our task force will provide just that. As lawmakers, we are coming together to make sure the executive branch is doing what it should to enforce our laws, hold violators accountable, and most of all, protect kids. We’ll also offer the legislative and budgetary solutions necessary to root out this horrific abuse in our country. I’m proud to partner with Congressman Kildee in this work,” said Congresswoman Scholten.
Members of the Child Labor Prevention Task Force
- Yadira Caraveo (CO-08)
- Judy Chu (CA-28)
- Rosa DeLauro (CT-03)
- Debbie Dingell (MI-06)
- Robert Garcia (CA-42)
- Seth Magaziner (RI-02)
- Morgan McGarvey (KY-03)
- Mark Pocan (WI-02)
- Jan Schakowsky (IL-09)
- Elissa Slotkin (MI-07)
- Haley Stevens (MI-11)
- Shri Thanedar (MI-13)
- Dina Titus (NV-01)
“Children should spend their days learning, playing, and growing, not being exploited as cheap labor. But the sad reality is child labor is an ongoing problem in the world today, even here in the United States where children as young as 12 are still put to work in the agriculture sector,” said Congresswoman Chu. “I look forward to working with my colleagues on the Child Labor Prevention Task Force to do more to stop the scourge of child labor, including supporting international aid and development goals that address poverty and addressing child labor in our future international trade agreements.”
“I stand with my colleagues today as part of a vital movement by Congress, which is the creation of the first-ever Congressional Child Labor Prevention Task Force,” said Congresswoman DeLauro. “With violations of child labor laws up nearly 70 percent since 2018 – and millions of minor-aged workers joining the workforce each year—many in seasonal summer jobs in the restaurant, retail, and amusement industries—now is the time to act, which is why the creation of this task force is critical. I look forward to working with my colleagues to address this atrocious issue that continues to plague our country. We need to ensure that we protect children from exploitative labor practices and hold employers accountable for their egregious actions.”
“Child labor violations have no place in the 21st century,” said Congressman McGarvey. “I’m proud to join with my colleagues in this effort to combat the concerning trend of child labor violations and to ensure workers’ rights are defended against those who would exploit children for profit. We must increase the capacity of labor rights enforcement agencies, crack down on bad actors, and ensure people are empowered to spot signs of labor rights violations in their communities and workplaces. It’s an honor to join the Child Labor Prevention Task Force as we take important steps to strengthen workers’ rights across the
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth | Target 8.7: Take immediate and effective measures to eradicate forced labor, end modern slavery and human trafficking, and secure the prohibition and elimination of the worst forms of child labor | Indicator 8.7.1: Proportion and number of children aged 5-17 years engaged in child labor, by sex and age group |
| SDG 4: Quality Education | Target 4.1: By 2030, ensure that all girls and boys complete free, equitable, and quality primary and secondary education leading to relevant and effective learning outcomes | Indicator 4.1.1: Proportion of children and young people (a) in grades 2/3; (b) at the end of primary; and (c) at the end of lower secondary achieving at least a minimum proficiency level in (i) reading and (ii) mathematics, by sex |
| SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions | Target 16.2: End abuse, exploitation, trafficking, and all forms of violence against and torture of children | Indicator 16.2.3: Proportion of young women and men aged 18-29 years who experienced sexual violence by age 18 |
1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?
SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
The issue of child labor and the need to eradicate it is directly connected to SDG 8, which aims to promote sustained, inclusive, and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment, and decent work for all.
SDG 4: Quality Education
The article mentions that children should be in school instead of working dangerous jobs. This highlights the connection to SDG 4, which focuses on ensuring inclusive and equitable quality education and promoting lifelong learning opportunities for all.
SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions
The article mentions the need to end abuse, exploitation, and violence against children. This aligns with SDG 16, which aims to promote peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development, provide access to justice for all, and build effective, accountable, and inclusive institutions at all levels.
2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?
Target 8.7: Take immediate and effective measures to eradicate forced labor, end modern slavery and human trafficking, and secure the prohibition and elimination of the worst forms of child labor
The article highlights the rise in illegal child labor and the need to combat it. Target 8.7 specifically addresses eradicating forced labor, ending modern slavery and human trafficking, and eliminating the worst forms of child labor.
Target 4.1: By 2030, ensure that all girls and boys complete free, equitable, and quality primary and secondary education leading to relevant and effective learning outcomes
The article emphasizes the importance of children being in school instead of working dangerous jobs. Target 4.1 focuses on ensuring that all girls and boys have access to free, equitable, and quality primary and secondary education.
Target 16.2: End abuse, exploitation, trafficking, and all forms of violence against and torture of children
The article mentions the need to protect children from exploitative labor practices and hold employers accountable for their actions. Target 16.2 aims to end abuse, exploitation, trafficking, and all forms of violence against children.
3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?
The article does not explicitly mention any indicators. However, the following indicators can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets:
Indicator 8.7.1: Proportion and number of children aged 5-17 years engaged in child labor, by sex and age group
This indicator can be used to measure the proportion and number of children involved in child labor, which is relevant to Target 8.7.
Indicator 4.1.1: Proportion of children and young people (a) in grades 2/3; (b) at the end of primary; and (c) at the end of lower secondary achieving at least a minimum proficiency level in (i) reading and (ii) mathematics, by sex
This indicator can be used to measure the educational outcomes of children and young people, which is relevant to Target 4.1.
Indicator 16.2.3: Proportion of young women and men aged 18-29 years who experienced sexual violence by age 18
This indicator can be used to measure the prevalence of sexual violence against children and young people, which is relevant to Target 16.2.
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth | Target 8.7: Take immediate and effective measures to eradicate forced labor, end modern slavery and human trafficking, and secure the prohibition and elimination of the worst forms of child labor | Indicator 8.7.1: Proportion and number of children aged 5-17 years engaged in child labor, by sex and age group |
| SDG 4: Quality Education | Target 4.1: By 2030, ensure that all girls and boys complete free, equitable, and quality primary and secondary education leading to relevant and effective learning outcomes | Indicator 4.1.1: Proportion of children and young people (a) in grades 2/3; (b) at the end of primary; and (c) at the end of lower secondary achieving at least a minimum proficiency level in (i) reading and (ii) mathematics, by sex |
| SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions | Target 16.2: End abuse, exploitation, trafficking, and all forms of violence against and torture of children
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