The possibilities for engaging the private sector as advocates for the rights of the child are explored. The types of initiatives proposed include companies providing on-site day care facilities; providing scholarships or apprenticeship programs for out-of-school children; and ensuring that employed children are not at risk of sexual exploitation by their supervisors. In March 2000, a meeting was held in Manila to address the problem of trafficking in human beings. The goal was to develop a comprehensive regional action plan and project proposal to combat the trafficking of women and children within and from Asia. In May 2000, the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child on the sale of children, child prostitution, and child pornography was adopted. The Working Group on Contemporary Forms of Slavery held a meeting in June 2000 and devoted particular attention to the question of bonded labor and debt bondage. The first World Day for the Prevention of Child Abuse was held on November 19, 2000. It is intended to become an annual event that aims to help provide children, families, and communities with the skills and resources they need to prevent abuse, cope with its effects, and ultimately end it through the worldwide dissemination of educational material. Country and region-specific developments in Australia, Argentina, Georgia, India, the Pacific region, southern Africa, Nigeria, Italy, Costa Rica, and El Salvador are discussed. In recent years, there have been several events that have implicated some corporations in serious human rights violations. Elements of the private sector are starting to respond to these concerns. Business leaders are required to support and respect the protection of international human rights within their sphere of influence; make sure their own corporations are not complicit in human rights abuses; and uphold the effective abolition of child labor. 27 notes