Measuring children’s work in South Asia: Perspectives from national household surveys

The report provides an overview and insight into the nature and extent of child labour and children’s employment and educational marginalization in the South Asian countries and region.

The Report is based on recent information from national household surveys in seven of the eight South Asian countries (i.e. Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal, the Maldives, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka), and provides an overview of the nature and extent of child labour, children’s employment and educational status, at both the South Asian regional level and in each of the seven countries. For Afghanistan, a brief profile of child labour in the country has been compiled from various studies. Gender dimensions are explored, as are the differences between rural and urban areas. The Report highlights gaps and inconsistencies between national statistical surveys, which limited the analysis and subsequent findings. It includes recommendations for action, both at national level and at the SAARC (the South Asia Association for Regional Cooperation) level.