Update: Indian Children Make Clothes for GAP

NEW DELHI, India - Children as young as ten years old were found to be sewing clothes for Gap, Inc. The children spoke to The Observer, sharing descriptions of their working conditions. The children described long hours of unwaged work, threats, and beatings.

In a statement, Gap said, "After learning of this situation, we immediately took steps to stop this work order and to prevent the product (tens of thousands of the embroidered girls' blouses) from ever being sold in our stores. We are also convening a meeting of our suppliers where we will reinforce our prohibition on child labour.”

India has tried to stop the widespread problem of child labor in the country with bans on the use of child workers. In 1986, the government outlawed children from working in dangerous industries, and in 2006, it banned children from being employed as domestic servants or in restaurants.

Save the Children organization recently reported that the bans have had little effect. Official estimates gauge that 12 million children under 14 years of age work in the country; however, NGO figures estimate that about 20 million children continue to work.

For more information, please see:

AP - India Activists Decry Gap Child Labor - 29 October 2007

The Observer - Indian 'Slave' Children Found Making Low-Cost Clothes Destined for Gap - 29 October 2007 

Impunity Watch - Indian Children Continue to Work 1 Year after Ban – 10 October 2007