With reference to child labour, 'worst' denotes the stages & processes of denial, deprivation and exploitation. ILO Convention 182, adopted in 1999, contains categories of the worst forms of child labour that are described as: <?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" />

(a) all forms of slavery or practices similar to slavery, such as the sale and trafficking of children, debt bondage and forced or compulsory labour, including forced or compulsory recruitment of children for use in armed conflict;

(b) the use, procuring or offering of a child for prostitution, for the production of pornography or for pornographic performances;

(c) the use, procuring or offering of a child for illicit activities, in particular for the production and trafficking of drugs as defined in the relevant international treaties;

(d) work which, by its nature or circumstances in which it is carried out, is likely to harm the health, safety or morals of children

The Convention asks the ratifying nations to formulate and take measures as well as monitor all the executed activities to condemn and abolish worst forms of child labour. The actions against the worst forms of child labour also include the obligation for these countries to work towards preventing children's entrance into the worst forms of child labour and removal, rehabilitation, and social integration of the children already engaged in hazardous labour. Furthermore, the Convention encourages international cooperation for the enforcement of provisions stated within it.