Though children's labour may be necessary to the survival of some families, it does not represent the ideal for children or their families. Putting children to work too early can stunt their development socially and educationally as well as expose them to physical risks. This does not even factor in the daily peril faced by children working as prostitutes or soldiers.

Movements for universal education and for an end to child labour seek to better serve children and provide the opportunity for children to escape poverty through education, which ultimately benefits both individuals and society as a whole.

Child labour is the employ-

ment of children under an age determined by law or custom. This practice is considered exploitative by many countries and international organizations. However, sanctions against nations using child labour have been found to lead to even worse conditions for children.

Thus, the resolution of this issue remains contentious as humankind seeks to achieve a world in which the human rights of every person, adult and child, are respected and a life of prosperity is available to all. We urge the present government to take more initiatives to put a stop to child labour.

Peter Rebeiro

Indira Road, Dhaka