What work do children do?
The majority of child labourers (around 70%) are employed in agriculture. In some poor countries, children may comprise up to a third of the agricultural workforce. Agricultural work performed by children varies widely - from short periods of permissible, non-hazardous light work after school to long hours of arduous work that may involve dangerous chemicals or processes. Children may work on their family farm or for an employer. It is common practice among migrant or seasonal workers in many parts of the world to include their children as part of a family work team.
Although children's involvement in agriculture may be a normal and useful part of growing up and developing work skills, the reality of farm work for many children is often harsh. There is a range of potential risks associated with machinery and vehicles, pesticide and chemical exposure, and injuries related to heavy lifting and fatigue.
Children are also employed as domestic servants in private homes, as workers in factories and workshops, and in street trading and services. Many child labourers work in hazardous situations such as working on construction sites, in mines, and with dangerous chemicals or machinery. Only a small percentage of children work in the export sector in Africa and Asia, such as making trainers and footballs to sell to the west.