World Day Against Child Labour – 12 June 2009
This World Day Against Child Labour will mark 10 years since the adoption of the International Labour Organisation (ILO) Convention on tackling the worst forms of child labour. Held this year on Friday, 12 June the focus is on girls in child labour. It is shocking to discover that an estimated 100 million girls are involved in child labour worldwide.
What exactly is considered child labour? The ILO defines it as:
- mentally, physically, socially or morally dangerous and harmful to children
- interferes with their schooling by
- depriving them of the opportunity to attend school
- obliging them to leave school prematurely
- requiring them to attempt to combine school attendance with excessively long and heavy work
In its most extreme forms, child labour involves children being enslaved, separated from their families, exposed to serious hazards and illnesses and/or left to fend for themselves on the streets of large cities – often at a very early age.
This World Day Against Child Labour there is a call for:
- Policies to address child labour, in particular girl child labour
- Urgent action to tackle the worst forms of child labour
- The need for education and skills training of girls – a key issue in tackling child labour
You can help to tackle the worst forms of child labour by purchasing ethically and buying fair trade products. Under Fair Trade principles forced labour and exploitative child labor are not allowed and working conditions are healthy and safe. Take a stand and celebrate World Day Against Child Labour by supporting our Fair Trade entreprenuers when making a purchase.
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