State Mechanisms for the Protection of Children from the Worst Forms of Labor in the Republic of Kazakhstan

Background/Objectives: The article focuses on the negative phenomena observed in the field of children's labor rights protection in Kazakhstan, such as a failure to conclude an employment contract with children. Methods/Statistical Analysis: Methodological basis of the study was formed by the dialectical method of knowledge of social phenomena and processes, allowing us to consider them in constant development and relationship. To achieve goals and objectives we used common methods of empirical, theoretical and historical research: analysis, synthesis, induction, deduction, generalization, description and comparative and legal method. Findings: The lack of labor contracts with children has slightly different characteristics than for adult workers, where the absence of employment contracts is especially due to the evasion of taxes, social contributions and pension benefits. The authors, based on the analysis of legal acts, international documents conducted informative and preventive work among pupils, teachers and parents in the educational institutions of the East Kazakhstan region, familiarized them with the forms of illegal exploitation of child labor and its consequences, with the normative legal acts in this field. Eradication of the exploitation of children is directly related to the identification of the primary reasons underlying in the basis of its existence. The study showed that children of the most vulnerable social groups, from low-income or single-parent families are mostly engaged in hard work. Transformation of family relationships when children need to take care of their family and of themselves influences greatly the involvement of children in work. Recommendations for prevention and eradication of child labor are provided. Improvements/Applications: There is a need for development of adapted legislation concerning the involvement of children in forced labor in the country with regard to the fight against general social problems.