The report shows that child and forced labor are used in cobalt and other mining for green energy.
The U.S. Department of Labor published the 2024 List of Goods Produced by Child Labor or Forced Labor this month. The report lists the industry areas of humanitarian concern around the world, which include fishing, agriculture, and green technologies.
“Forced labor and child labor are all too common globally—even in times of prosperity and in both wealthy and poor countries,” Deputy Undersecretary for International Affairs Thea Mei Lee stated. “And, while comprehensive and accurate statistics are not always available, global trends show that both child labor and forced labor are on the rise.”
Regarding green technologies, the deputy undersecretary acknowledged, “Rather than having the opportunity to attend school, tens of thousands of children in the Democratic Republic of the Congo spend their days under dangerous and illegal conditions mining the cobalt that powers our cell phones and electric cars. Our research now identifies forced labor in cobalt and highlights the risks in that supply chain.”
She concluded, “Labor abuses often do not occur in isolation, and they thrive in an environment with a lack of oversight and the suppression of worker-driven actions. These are not models for a sustainable future. Sadly, situations like these exist all over the world.”
As the Lord Leads, Pray with Us…
- For Deputy Undersecretary Lee to be led by the Lord as she oversees International Labor Affairs.
- For wisdom for Acting Secretary Julie Su as she heads the Labor Department.
- For U.S. officials to consider the humanitarian impact of quickly implementing technological advances.
Sources: Department of Labor, Townhall
