Fairtrade labeling in Europe as a means of discouraging child labour in developing countries

Abstract

Millions of children are entrapped workers, forced to work in hazardous and life threatening situations. Many causes and characteristics determine why these children are forced into labour. Fair trade works at eliminating and reducing child labour by not allowing child labour at any stage of the production of fair trade labelled products. Fair trade established itself alongside the International Labour Organisation Conventions on the worst forms of child labour and the minimum working age. When child labour is detected within an organisation that abides by fair trade's labeling standards, this organisation may lose its certification and face severe consequences. In order for fair trade to prosper, and meet its set out goals it needs both international and national support from many different unions and organisations. The European Union has given its support for fair trade in many different forms; acknowledging it while also understanding its importance. The E U does not have any legislation or policies on fair trade, however the future may hold different things. The EU has carried out a number of initiatives for fair trade which have been greatly accounted for by the movement. Furthermore in order for fair trade to continue on its desire to fully reduce child labour in their certified production, closer collaboration is needed between the EU and fair trade. Fair trade nowadays remains a voluntary movement. Even though fair trade prohibits child labour within their certified products, it is still the consumer's final decision whether or not to purchase fair trade labelled products, and this will determine the movement's overall outcome.