As part of its agenda to ensure a decent workplace, the International Labour Organisation (ILO) has further pushed for an end to child labour globally.
Restating
the position during the ongoing ILO Centenary in Geneva, Switzerland, ILO
Director-General, Guy Ryder, said the way children are treated
is a reflection of the societies and values, adding that the World Day Against Child Labour provides an opportunity to take stock,
define goals and recommit to action.
According to him, “our reflection this year – the ILO’s Centenary – is particularly significant because
the ILO has been working for the abolition of child labour since its earliest
days. Two of the first six conventions the ILO adopted in its first year, 1919,
addressed child labour. Its abolition is now the subject of one of the ILO’s
fundamental principles, along with ending forced labour and work-related
discrimination, and promoting freedom of association and collective
bargaining.
“In 100 years we have made substantial progress, not least because of intense advocacy and national mobilisation backed by legislative and practical action. Between 2000 and 2016 alone, there was a 38 per cent decrease in child labour globally. The ILO’s Convention on the Worst Forms of Child Labour, 1999 (No. 182) has achieved almost universal ratification by the ILO’s 187 member States, and the ratification rate of the Minimum Age Convention, 1973 (No. 138) is not far behind.”
He observed that countries in every region could be proud of this progress, but cannot also be complacent.
He said it would be fitting if universal ratification of
Convention No. 182 is achieved in the ILO’s Centenary year, adding that member states
are striding towards this goal.
“Of course, legal foundations are essential, practical change is
another. 152 million children are still trapped in child labour, and 73 million
of these – almost half – are in hazardous work. This is simply
unacceptable.
“We need to urgently accelerate the pace of progress. But to do
this – and also meet Target 8.7 of the Sustainable Development Goals, which
calls for the end of child labour by 2025 – more coherent action is required,
ensuring the availability of quality education, social protection for all, and
decent work for parents.
“In 100 years of working together for social justice the global community has achieved so much. The ILO is proud to have played a part in this progress. I urge Governments, workers and employers to come together and make a final push to end child labour and ensure that it does not reappear,” he added.
