Press Statement to Mark International Day to End Child Labour 2016 in Calabar by Edem Children Foundation

Another June is here. The International Labour Organization (ILO) has set aside June 12th of every year to Mark World Day Against Child Labour. The purpose of the day is to raise awareness and activism to prevent child labour in both economic and military fields. 

This year theme Day against Child Labour 2016 focuses on End Child Labour in Supply Chains. The supply chains – including agriculture and fishing, manufacturing and mining, services and construction, and whether global or national – may involve some of the 168 million children still in child labour. Eliminating child labour in supply chains is everyone’s business, and requires the commitment of governments, workers’ and employers’ organizations and enterprises themselves. 

In Cross River State, Child labour denies girls and boys their rights – to be safe from harm, to quality education and vocational training, and to play and rest. Freedom from child labour is a fundamental human right and, alongside the other fundamental principles and rights at work, in particular freedom of association and the right to collective bargaining, it is indispensable for the achievement of decent work for all. 

The specific target (8.7) of the new Sustainable Development Goal No. 8 on decent work and economic growth calls for immediate measures to eradicate forced labour, end modern slavery – including the elimination of child labour as defined in ILO Conventions No. 138 on Minimum Age and No. 182 on the Worst Forms of Child Labour. 

Child labour occurs in many occupations, in particular in the rural and informal economies, and in areas where labour market governance, trade unions and employers’ organizations are often weak or absent and in areas that labour inspectors lack the capacity to reach. In supply chains, child labour may be performed in small workshops or homes, making it difficult to identify and remedy. While many children may be engaged in child labour in the production of internationally traded goods or services, a much larger number work in producing items destined for national consumption. And human trafficking and secure the prohibition and elimination of the worst forms of child labour, and by 2025 end child labour in all its forms. To reach this target, collective action must accelerate progress and make better use of Existing knowledge and resources. Enterprises should pursue responsible business practices that respect human and other labour rights in the countries and communities in which they operate.

In Cross River State, the prevalence of street hawking, as an aspect of child labour, abuse and neglect affects the educational factors. It is the exploitation of children, premature assumption of adult roles on the part of children; working long hours for low wages. In Rural/Urban Centres and Communities, in Cross River State Children work as domestic labourers, there are internally and externally forced into prostitution where they are transported within and outside the state for forced labour. 

We condemn this heartless and senseless kidnapping of Physically challenged Children for Force Labour in Cross River State. We call on the Federal and State governments, to put an end to Child Labour and help save and protect the lives of our younger generation. 

Multinational enterprises, as well as enterprises, Companies Operating In Cross River State should respect the minimum age for admission to employment or work in order to secure the effective abolition of child labour and should take immediate and effective measures within their own competence to secure the prohibition and elimination of the worst forms of child labour as a matter of urgency.” 

According to the latest figures, there are still 168 million children working and not attending school. Also in Europe there is still a lot to tackle the issue. It is often unclear whether child labour has been involved in the production of items that are for sale here. Companies should therefore have more insight into their supply chain and have pro-active policies to combat child labour. Should they fail to do this, then it is up to the government to introduce appropriate legislation. Therefore Stop Child Labour advocates for mandatory due diligence and reporting for companies at risk to make use of child labour. That is the only way consumers can eventually make a conscious choice. Stop Child Labour calls upon governments, companies and citizens to be part of the solution. Only together we can create a child labour free world. 

To this end Edem Children Foundation (ECF) an Organization that focuses on Children, Women and Youths in Nigeria, to make positive changes in the lives of Children and young people in need in rural and urban communities of Nigeria and Africa in general with support from Safe Child Africa (SCA- UK) have established Child Rights Club in Schools in Calabar to broadcast and educate teachers and students on Child Rights Law and other related policy that is aimed at all round development of a child. 

Let’s join hand to End Child Labour, Every Actions Counts. Together we can make a difference. 

Victoria Ukpong 

Sign

Program Officer

For further inquiries, contact Edem Children Foundation (ECF) as follows:

Off Atamunu Street, Calabar

Cross River State, Nigeria.