The Bureau of International Labor Affairs (ILAB) carries out the international responsibilities of the Department of Labor under the direction of the Deputy Undersecretary for International Labor Affairs. ILAB conducts research on and formulates international economic, trade, immigration and labor policies in collaboration with other U.S. Government agencies and provides international technical assistance in support of U.S. foreign labour policy objectives. ILAB's Office of Child Labor, Forced Labor and Human Trafficking develops policy, researches, investigates and reports on international child labor, trafficking in persons and forced labor, and supports efforts to eradicate exploitative child labor worldwide.

"The report describes the efforts of 144 countries and territories to meet their international commitments to eliminate the worst forms of child labor." ... Elaine L. Chao.

Globally, child labor and forced labor are widespread and complex problems. They are conceptually different phenomena, requiring different policy responses, though they may also overlap in practice. The Trafficking Victims Protection Act of 2000 (TVPA) was designed to reduce the use of child and forced labor in the production of goods consumed in the United States. The Act was reauthorized in 2003, 2005, and 2008. In response to provisions of TVPA, the the Bureau of International Labor Affairs requested that the National Research Council organize a two-day workshop. The workshop, summarized in this volume, discusses methods for identifying and organizing a standard set of practices that will reduce the likelihood that persons will use forced labor or child labor to produce goods, with a focus on business and governmental practices.

Refers to the Congressional request concerning the examination of costs and benefits associated with the implementation of ILO Convention No. 182. Presents an analysis of national strategies for direct action: legal, education and poverty education, market-based, rescue, rehabilitation and reintegration.