Extreme forms of child labour in Turkey

Abstract

Two little known forms of child labour in Turkey are examined. The process through which these children are made to work has parallels with the experiences of slaves. First, a long-standing practice from Northwestern Turkey of parents hiring children to better-off farmers is examined. Further, a more recent problem is examined where children are trafficked to big cities and forced to join criminal rings. Both forms of child labour are consequences of poverty. The factors that give rise to child trafficking and parents letting their children be trafficked are extreme poverty and internal displacement of families. Journal compilation © 2008 National Children's Bureau.