Child labour: an analysis of the nature of corporate responsibility

Surya Deva*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingChapterpeer-review

Abstract

This chapter explores the responsibility of corporations regarding child labour. This exploration is done at two levels. First, selected regulatory regimes are reviewed to ascertain the corporate responsibility outlined therein. Under international law generally, the responsibility in relation to human/labour rights was traditionally and primarily conceived with reference to states. This state-focal nature, though, seems to be undergoing a change in recent years. For example, more importance is now being given to states' duty to ensure that non-state actors within their respective jurisdictions comply with the goal of eliminating child labour. In addition to this indirect approach, responsibility for child labour is also being directly imposed on corporations. Second, at a normative level, the notion of responsibility is analysed with reference to the idea of being 'responsive' to the state of child labour. 'Responsiveness' is contrasted with 'responsibility' in that the former focuses more on strategy and action rather than outlining what duties corporations have on a given issue.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationThe role of labour standards in development
Subtitle of host publicationfrom theory to sustainable practice?
EditorsTonia Novitz, David Mangan
PublisherOxford University Press
Pages106-121
Number of pages16
ISBN (Electronic)9780191754098
ISBN (Print)9780197264911
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2011
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Child labour
  • Corporate responsibility
  • International law
  • Responsiveness

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