DIMAPUR, JUNE 11 (MExN): The Nagaland State Governor has called upon citizens to join efforts in fighting against child labour and to take a concerted stand against the “unacceptable abuse of the rights of children and barrier to their proper development.”
In a statement today, the Governor stated that the International Labour Organization (ILO) launched the World Day Against Child Labour in 2002 to focus attention on the global extent of child labour and the action and efforts needed to eliminate it.
Stating that each year on June 12, the World Day brings together governments, employers and workers organizations, civil society, as well as millions of people from around the world to highlight the plight of child labourers and what can be done to help them, the Governor felt the need to intensify and accelerate action to end child labour, including in areas affected by conflict and disasters.
He explained that according to the ILO’s Worst Forms of Child Labour Convention, child labour is the enslavement i.e. sale, trafficking, debt bondage, serfdom, compulsory labour of anyone under the age of 18. The definition includes the use of children in armed conflict, prostitution and illegal activities such as drug trafficking. Lastly, any work deemed to be harmful to the health, safety or morals of a child is considered to be child labour.
“Children are the hope of the future. Let us all play our part to make our children labour free. Every child should get the chance to go to school and be educated, so that they can achieve their full potential in decent work, when they come of age,” the Governor stated.
Governor Acharya also felt that child labour must be tackled through an integrated approach which includes measures to reduce poverty, provide universal education and promote social and economic development. Wholesome childhood experiences must not be burdened with hazardous, unhealthy engagement in work that denies children the opportunity of an education, he stated.
He concluded by saying that children must enjoy their childhood, and called upon all to work together to prevent and end child labour in the society.
