To Eradicate or to Legalize? Child Labor Debates and ILO Convention 182 in Bolivia

Abstract

International human rights agreements promote rights-based norms as a guide for policymaking. But the appropriateness and legitimacy of these norms is sometimes questioned in local contexts, where they can generate disagreement as to their meaning and implementation. Convention 182 of the International Labour Organization (ILO) led to a global commitment to eliminate the worst forms of child labor, but the agreement has been subject to intense criticism, especially in societies where child labor is prevalent such as Bolivia. This article sheds light on the complex impact of global rights-based norms in local contexts and reminds us that civil society is always a heterogeneous and political space of action. This article also traces the complex debate on eradication versus legalization of child labor within Bolivia.