(introduction...)

Population groups that are most vulnerable to child labour require special attention. Many of the most abusive types of child labour are hidden and few organizations have the capacity to identify and handle them. Child victims may also have developed various coping mechanisms and often there will be differences in the needs of boys and girls. Thus, special efforts are required to first identify the groups for priority action and then develop a range of appropriate interventions.

It is essential to prevent children from becoming engaged in extreme forms of child labour. This involves intensive awareness-raising, and the provision of viable alternatives. In cases where organizations aim to withdraw children from the worst forms of child labour, the types of intervention need to include identification and rescue of children working under forced labour conditions, legal aid, intensive counselling and other rehabilitation measures for the children and their families.