📋 Group Discussion (GD) Analysis Guide: Should There Be a Global Policy to Eliminate Child Labor in All Industries?

🌐 Introduction to the Topic

Opening Context: Child labor affects millions globally, posing ethical, social, and economic challenges. Its eradication remains a priority for governments, NGOs, and industries. Discussing a global policy to eliminate child labor highlights cross-border responsibilities and corporate accountability.

Topic Background: The International Labour Organization (ILO) estimates 160 million children are involved in child labor as of 2022, many in hazardous conditions. Efforts like the UN’s Sustainable Development Goal 8.7 aim to eradicate child labor by 2025, but enforcement gaps persist.

📊 Quick Facts and Key Statistics

• 160 million children are in child labor globally (ILO, 2022).
• 70% work in agriculture, often under hazardous conditions.
• Countries with the highest prevalence include sub-Saharan Africa and parts of Asia.
• Convention No. 182 on the worst forms of child labor has been ratified by 187 countries.
• Economic losses from child labor elimination delays: $2 trillion annually.

👥 Stakeholders and Their Roles

• Governments: Enforce laws, ratify international conventions, allocate resources.
• Corporations: Ensure supply chains are free of child labor.
• NGOs: Advocate for vulnerable children and provide support services.
• International Organizations: Monitor progress and provide technical assistance.

🏆 Achievements and Challenges

• Achievements:
  • Ratification of key conventions (e.g., Convention 138).
  • Decline in global child labor rates by 38% from 2000 to 2020.
  • Successful eradication campaigns in countries like Brazil.
• Challenges:
  • High rates in informal sectors.
  • Weak enforcement of laws in conflict zones.
  • Socioeconomic drivers like poverty and lack of education.

📍 Global Comparisons

• Norway: Robust welfare systems minimize child labor.
• Bangladesh: Garment sector reforms reduced child workers by 90%.

📖 Case Study

India’s Pencil Industry: Collaboration with NGOs reduced child labor in 500+ workshops.

🗣️ Structured Arguments for Discussion

• Supporting Stance: “A universal policy ensures accountability across borders and industries.”
• Opposing Stance: “Diverse socioeconomic conditions make universal rules impractical.”
• Balanced Perspective: “While a global framework is ideal, it must account for local contexts.”

🎯 Effective Discussion Approaches

• Opening Approaches:
  • Start with global statistics: “160 million children remain trapped in child labor worldwide…”
  • Use a case study: “Bangladesh’s garment reforms showcase the feasibility of eradication…”
  • Highlight the urgency: “Every day, child labor robs millions of their future…”
• Counter-Argument Handling:
  • Present alternatives: “While global policies face enforcement challenges, regional coalitions can help.”
  • Use data: “Countries enforcing policies have seen significant declines, e.g., Brazil by 40% in five years.”

🔍 Strategic Analysis of Strengths and Weaknesses

• Strengths: Universal framework fosters uniform accountability.
• Weaknesses: High administrative and monitoring costs.
• Opportunities: Public-private partnerships for effective implementation.
• Threats: Resistance from industries reliant on cheap labor.

📚 Connecting with B-School Applications

• Real-World Applications: Analyze case studies on sustainable business practices. Design corporate strategies for ethical supply chains.
• Sample Questions:
  • “How can businesses ensure ethical supply chains in globalized industries?”
  • “Evaluate the role of international bodies like the ILO in policy enforcement.”
• Insights for Students:
  • Effective policymaking needs cross-disciplinary perspectives.
  • Ethical considerations are integral to modern management practices.