Children's Work and Independent Child Migration: A Critical Review
Author(s): E. V. Edmonds M. Shrestha
This review considers the evidence from child labour research that is relevant to understanding independent child migration for work. The findings in child labour research offer a great deal of evidence that is relevant for understanding child migrant supply, especially regarding factors that might push children towards migration. However, child labour research is weakest on understanding child labour demand. Hence, it is least useful in understanding what factors pull children into independent child migration. Developing a broader understanding both of the incidence of independent child migrants in poor countries and the sectors these independent child migrants work in is important for developing and targeting future policies aimed at helping these vulnerable children. When appropriate populations are identified, the scientific evaluation of programs aimed at deterring migration or ameliorating its risks is critical.