Peer-reviewed article
Breaking the cycle: long-term socio economic determinants of child labour in SAARC countries
Tharaka Magammana, Himashi Muthugala, Amanda Bandara, Ayodhya Perera, Ruwan Jayathilaka ·
Summary
Written by AI, not yet AICS's view · claude-haiku-4-5-20251001This study examined the long-term relationship between child labour and socio-economic factors in SAARC countries using panel cointegration analysis. The research found that improvements in education and healthcare significantly reduce child labour, while economic growth and urbanisation have complex, country-specific effects. The findings highlight that unemployment and foreign direct investment may also influence child labour prevalence. The authors recommend multi-sectoral approaches combining education, health, and economic reforms, along with regional collaboration to address child labour.
Key points
- Improvements in education and health significantly reduce child labour in SAARC countries
- Economic growth and urbanisation have complex, country-specific effects on child labour
- Higher unemployment and increased foreign direct investment may influence child labour prevalence
- A stable, long-term relationship exists between child labour and socio-economic determinants in each SAARC country
- Multi-sectoral policies integrating education, health, and economic planning are needed to reduce child labour
Limitations
The study examines correlation and long-term relationships but does not evaluate specific interventions or policies in action, so it cannot demonstrate causal mechanisms or the effectiveness of particular programmes. The country-specific variation noted in results means findings may not be uniformly applicable across all SAARC nations.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Child labour remains a critical issue in SAARC countries, driven by various socio-economic factors. While previous studies have explored individual determinants, limited research has been conducted on their collective long-term impact. Understanding how structural and economic conditions shape child labour trends is essential for designing effective policy interventions. METHODS: This study engages panel cointegration techniques to examine the long-term relationship between child labour and key socio-economic drivers in SAARC countries. It assesses the impact of education, access to healthcare, economic conditions, labour market dynamics, foreign investment, and urbanisation on the prevalence of child labour. RESULTS: The findings confirm a stable, long-term relationship between child labour and these determinants in each SAARC country. Improvements in education and health significantly reduce child labour. However, economic growth and urbanisation have complex, country-specific effects. Higher unemployment and increased FDI may also influence child labour, emphasising the need for targeted policy responses. CONCLUSIONS: The study highlights the significance of ongoing investments in education and healthcare. Labour market reforms are crucial to mitigate the impact of unemployment, while inclusive economic policies ensure that growth benefits vulnerable populations. Targeted strategies for FDI and urbanisation are necessary to prevent unintended consequences on child labour. Combating child labour in SAARC countries requires a multi-sectoral approach. Regional collaboration is crucial for sharing best practices, developing unified strategies, and enhancing cross-border initiatives. Holistic policies integrating education, health, and economic planning are key to reducing child labour.