DUSHANBE, June 11, 2012, Asia-Plus – Tomorrow, Tajikistan will mark the adoption of the landmark International Labor Organization (ILO) Convention No. 182, which addresses the need for action to tackle the worst forms of child labor.
While celebrating progress made since the Convention”s adoption in 1999, the World Day highlights continuing challenges, such as the millions of children involved in hazardous work.
The main action to mark World Day Against Child Labor will take place at the 800th Anniversary of Moscow Square in Dushanbe. The action will be conducted on initiative of the Center for Child’s Rights, Dushanbe Mayor’s Office and Human Rights Ombudsman’s Office under support of Radio Asia-Plus, Megafon Tajikistan, NGO Nasli Navras, Charkhi Gardoun and TV Channels Safina, Jahonnamo, Bahoriston and Mir.
The International Labour Organization (ILO) estimates that some 215 million children are trapped in child labor. Many of these children work long hours, often in dangerous conditions. Child labor is closely associated with poverty and denies children their right to education. Many poor families are unable to afford school fees or other school costs. The family may depend on the contribution that a working child makes to the household”s income, and place more importance on work than on education. When a family has to make a choice between sending either a boy or girl to school, it is often the girl who loses out.
This year the World Day Against Child Labor will provide a spotlight on the right of all children to be protected from child labor and from other violations of fundamental human rights. In 2010 the international community adopted a Roadmap for achieving the elimination of the worst forms of child labor by 2016, which stressed that child labor is an impediment to children”s rights and a barrier to development. World Day 2012 will highlight the work that needs to be done to make the roadmap a reality.
