Child Labour is a complex social issue. According to the International Labour Organisation's (ILO) Global Report 2006, it affects the lives of 218 million children. India has the distinction of the largest number of working children in the world today. Indian official statistics speak about almost 13 million children, but unofficial estimates vary between 60 and 100 million children. In India, as in the world over, tourism is one more realm that pulls in a significant number of children as child labour. It is common to see children working in abysmal conditions in small restaurants and shacks, selling curios and trinkets, as tourist guides or begging rich tourists for money. In hotels, children work as bell-boys, waiters and waitresses, maids, house keeping workers while in catering many serve dishes, work as kitchen helpers or dish-washers. Children also work as masseurs and prostitutes. This briefing sheet highlights this issue and looks into the reasons that compel children into working, the measures being taken so far to address the issue and what remains to be done. Publisher: Equitable Tourism Options (EQUATIONS) Contact: [email protected], +91.80.25457607 Visit: www.equitabletourism.org,http://www.equitabletourism.org/stage/readfull.php?AID=396