UNICEF launches app to tackle child labour in Brazil

More than 12 per cent of Brazil's 10 to 17 year-olds are working as child labourers leading UNICEF to launch an app which allows victims of child abuse and exploitation to alert authorities.

UNICEF hopes Brazilians with smartphones will alert authorities if they learn of child exploitation. (AAP)

 Sexual exploitation, violence and negligence are high on the list of violations against Brazil's youngsters.

But exploitation as child labour is also a major issue.

Amid the fanfare surrounding the World Cup, UNICEF has launched a smart phone app - Proteja Brasil - which it hopes the public will use to alert authorities about human rights abuses.

Sarah Abo is in Brazil for SBS, and filed this report.