In his Entrepreneur article, social entrepreneur and Legacy+ co-founder Craig Kielburger emphasizes that businesses of all sizes can play a pivotal role in eradicating child labor. Drawing from his nearly three decades of activism, Kielburger underscores that child labor is not just a distant issue but one intertwined with global supply chains and consumer choices.
He highlights that over 160 million children are engaged in labor worldwide, with the highest prevalence in the least developed countries. Kielburger points out that poverty is a primary driver, and efforts to combat child labor must address its root causes, including lack of access to education, healthcare, and economic opportunities for families.
Kielburger advocates for businesses to take actionable steps, such as auditing supply chains, joining initiatives like the ILO's Child Labour Platform, and creating age-appropriate job opportunities for youth. He notes that companies like IKEA and Costco have ramped up audits and implemented codes of conduct to ensure their supply chains are free from child labor.
By committing to ethical practices and supporting community development, businesses can contribute significantly to ending child labor. For a comprehensive guide on how your business can be part of the solution, read the full article on Entrepreneur.
