• A lack of enforcement can weaken child labor laws.ni?¡Ào nepal?- image by Diorgi from Fotolia.com
  
  Although child labor is a problem in many Third World countries, it is not because there are no laws that forbid the practice. While some laws regarding child labor may seem lax when compared to developed countries, they are not nonexistent. One of the most significant factors that contributes to the practice of child labor is that of enforcement. Many Third World countries lack the resources to enforce their child labor laws properly.
  
  

Mexico

• According to the Mexican Constitution, the minimum age that a child may work is 14. Also included in the Constitution are provisions specifying the type and amount of work a child between the ages of 14 and 16 may legally do. Some of these provisions are that children in this age group cannot perform any work that is considered “dangerous or unhealthy,” itinerant, underground or underwater, or anything which "may affect their morals or good behavior.”
  
  In addition, they are not allowed to work in industrial plants past 10 p.m or work more than six hours daily, or work more than three consecutive hours without a one-hour break. Any minor under the age of 18 years is not allowed to work without the permission of a legal guardian and are required to have regular medical examinations. Employers are required to list of any dangerous tasks that are prohibited to be completed by minors.
  
  

Nigeria

• The Labor Act of 1974 forbids that any minors under the age of 15 be employed in industry or commerce and prohibits forced labor. Additionally, the act restricts child labor in regards to home-based agricultural and domestic-type work.
  
  Some of the restrictions included in this section of the act are that minors may not perform agricultural or domestic work for more than eight hours daily and prohibits children under 12 years old from carrying or lifting any loads that may affect their physical development.
  
  

The Philippines

• Generally minors must be at least 15 years old to be employed under the Child Protection Act of 1992 and the Republic Act No. 7610. However, there are exceptions to this general law. Children under 15 years old may be employed if the employer obtains a work permit through the Department of Labor and Employment.
  
  Employers must ensure the protection and safety of minors and take measures to prevent exploitation or discrimination against any children. The Bureau of Women and Young Workers is responsible for enforcing laws regarding child labor.
  
  

Bangladesh

• Bangladesh has some conflicting laws regarding child labor. The minimum age that a minor may be employed may be anywhere between 12 and 16 years old based on current laws. The Factories Act of 1965 forbids children younger than 14 years of age to work in a factory. The law also states that children are not to exceed more than five hours of work in one day and may only work between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. The Bangladesh Department of Labor is responsible to oversee the enforcement of child labor laws, although they lack funds and resources to do so effectively.