Introduction
An integrated approach to eliminating child labour and forced labour in the cotton, textile and garment value chains
Cotton is one of the world’s most widely grown crops and one of the most important agricultural commodities. For many countries, cotton production and the textile and garment sectors are central to economic growth and employment. There is a high incidence of child labour in the cotton, textile and garment value chains and cases of forced labour have also been identified. Both child labour and forced labour are connected to systemic challenges impeding the sustainability of the supply chain and other fundamental principles and rights at work.
The CLEAR Cotton project aims at contributing to the elimination of child labour in all its forms and forced labour in the cotton, textile and garment value chains in target producing countries (Burkina Faso, Mali, Pakistan and Peru). It seeks to promote enhanced national legislation and policies to address the basic needs and rights of children engaged in or at risk of child labour, and of victims of forced labour. The project combines integrated area-based and value-chain approaches to cooperate with governments, social partners, local farmers and smallholder industries.
The CLEAR Cotton project is co-funded by the European Union (EU) and the International Labour Organization (ILO) and is implemented by the ILO in collaboration with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO).
Find below useful links to learn more about the CLEAR Cotton project: