U.S. Bashes World’s Child Labor Record

In a report criticizing the “shameful practice of child labor” in 56 countries, the Labor Department says laws around the world that set minimum age limits for workers are regularly ignored.

It cites children mining gold in the Peruvian jungle, spinning silk in India and being strapped to the backs of camels for racing in the United Arab Emirates.

The 150-page survey, “By the Sweat and Toil of Children,” says children are being used for arduous and often-dangerous work around the world.

Sen. Tom Harkin, D-Iowa, asked for the report as part of his campaign for a congressional ban on the importation of products made by children.

In the United States, the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 says children of 14 and 15 may work only in limited kinds of jobs, outside school hours. For hazardous jobs, the minimum age is 18. Child workers must be paid the minimum wage.