The growing gaps between rich and poor around the world in recent years have led millions of young children out of education and into work. As the International Labor Organization estimates that over 215 million children between the ages of 5 and 17 currently work in an illegal, dangerous and exploitative environment. An Indian labour activist, Kaliash Satyarthi set up GoodWeave attempting to liberate hundreds of child labourers. Since consumers demand cheap products, manufacturers employ children with minimal or no pay to bring down costs. On the other hand, the handmade carpet industry is helping to combat this problem and transform the rug industry by certifying child labor free rugs and providing education and opportunities to rescued children.

The GoodWeave is a route for promoting change in the suppliers, but it must also be reinforced by strategies for addressing the cause of child labour. It is important to have a pathway to end an unethical problem, but GoodWeave should enable a place toreconnect children with their communities and to facilitate a long-term child protection.  With the recognition that ending child labour is much more complex than the issue of it alone, more companies should rethink and drive wider changes in their labour. I hope that GoddWeave’s bravery is recognized and the customers will support them.

http://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2013/aug/15/child-labour-product-certification