The International Labor Organization (ILO) has said the global financial crisis could push children, particularly girls, into child labor, according to the report of the News Agency of Nigeria on Wednesday.

This is contained in a report by Juan Somavia, Director-General of the ILO, titled "Give Girls A Chance: Tackling Child Labor, A Key To The Future".

The reports said the crisis threatens to erode the progress made in recent global estimates that indicate a reduction in the number of children involved in child labor.

"We have seen some real progress in reducing child labor, however, the policies chosen in the present crisis will be a test of national and global commitment to take this fight forward," it said.

According to the report, the most recent global estimate indicated that more than 100 million girls are involved in child labor and many are exposed to some of its worst forms.

The reports said the danger of girls being forced into child labor is linked to evidence that in many countries, families give preference to boys' education at the detriment of girls.

It stated that because of the increase in poverty, poor families may have to make choices as to which children stay in school.

"In cultures in which a higher value is placed on education of male children, girls risk being taken out of school and are likely to enter the workforce at an early age," it said.

"Other factors which could push up the numbers in child labor include cuts in national education budgets, and a decline in remittances of migrant workers, as these remittances often help to keep children in school," it added.

"This year's World Day against Child Labor also coincides with the 10th anniversary of ILO Convention No. 182 on the elimination of the worst forms of child labor," Somavia was quoted as saying.

"This convention calls for special attention to the situation of girls and we want to highlight the particular risks that girls face during this crisis,'' the ILO chief said.

The report added that protecting girls and all children from child labor calls for integrated responses that include jobs for parents and social protection measures that help them to keep both girls and boys in school.

"Access to basic education and training for girls and boys must also be part of the solutions for the future,'' it added.

The report highlights the importance of investing in the education of girls as an effective way of tackling poverty.