BANGKOK: Women and children are the most exploited workers in Asia's cities, both

in industrializing and low-income countries, a U.N. study says.

The study says women and children are to be found "in extreme exploitation marked

by long hours and harsh working conditions, physical and sexual abuse and critical

poverty."

The report was presented by the U.N. Economic and Social Commission for Asia and

the Pacific.

At the meeting's conclusion, 36 countries signed a declaration of general guidelines

on easing these problems, including a recommendation that they enhance urban productivity

by removing regulatory constraints on efficient use of land, labor and financial

markets.

Significant numbers of working children are found in both the highest and lowest

income nations, the study says. - AP