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Estimates suggest more than 120 million of the world’s children ages 5–14 are involved in child labor. This is an issue that’s unfortunately very evident in Los Cabos, where children are often seen selling gum and other novelties.

Mexico’s labor secretary, Alfonso Navarrete, estimates that in this country alone, there are 2.5 million children being exploited.

The International Labour Organization, a United Nations agency dealing with labor issues, on June 12 calls for:

• Free, compulsory and quality education for all children at least to the minimum age for admission to employment and action to reach those presently in child labor;
• New efforts to ensure that national policies on child labour and education are consistent and effective;
• Policies that ensure access to quality education and investment in the teaching profession;

Local officials and agencies ask that you refrain from buying anything from these children. Though it’s tough to ignore their requests, purchasing from them only perpetuates the exploitation.

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