WORLD DAY AGAINST CHILD LABOUR

Warning: Children in hazardous work

Geneva events, 10th June, 2011

An estimated 115 million children are involved in hazardous work that is likely to harm their health, safety or morals. The World Day Against Child Labour (WDACL) calls for urgent action from political leaders and each and every one of us.The 2011 WDACL provided a globalspotlight on hazardous child labour, and called for urgent action to tackle the problem. In 2011, World Day events were held in many countries around the world. In Geneva, there were 3 main events:

· School play “Another Side of Life”;

· International Labour Conference (ILC) Side Event to mark the World Day 2011 and the launch of a new ILO report on hazardous work;

· Child solidarity event.

Another side of life... : a school play on child labour

Performed by the 6/4 Anglophone class from the Collège du Léman. The play is part of a Middle school-wide initiative to raise awareness on child labour based on the SCREAM programme.

Children played for ‘Help, Hope, Freedom’

ILC Side Event to mark the World Day 2011 and the launch of a new ILO report - "Children in hazardous work: What we know,what we need to do".

Children from the “Dante Alighieri” Middle School, Turin (Italy) sang Dreaming of Freedom, which they had composed in the framework of the IPEC’s SCREAM programme.

This was followed by the child solidarity event, organised by “Le respect, ça change la vie”, in collaboration with the ILO, in front of the UN Building in Place des Nations.

Each year, children donate books to children less fortunate then them. In 2010, the books were sent to Kenya, Uganda and Madagascar to create libraries for disadvantaged children. In 2011, the books were sent to the Democratic Republic of the Congo

Children signed a “memory book” with their messages to be shared with the children receiving the books.

Children made pinwheels, a symbol of the fight against child labour

The children addressed questions to the various authorities present: Mr. Pierre Maudet, Mayor of the City of Geneva…

“As the Mayor of the international city of Geneva and President of the Federal Commission for Children and Youth, will you invite other Swiss, and even European, cities, to organize, in their turn, the World Day Against Child Labour?”

…Mr. Enoch Mensah, Minister for Employment and Social Welfare of Ghana…

“What is the government of Ghana doing to end child labour and ensure that all children can go to school?”

… Mr. A.N.M. Adyanthaya, Vice President - Indian National Trade Union Congress…

“As representative of workers’ organizations, what are you doing to help protect exploited children?”

…Mr. Haji Muhammad Javed, President of the Employers' Federation of Pakistan…

“As representative of employers’ organisations, can you explain why, when so many adults are unemployed, millions of children are forced to work? What can employers do to help change this situation?”

…Mr. Luc Panissod, Secretary General of the World Organization of the Scout Movement..

“We know that the Scouts are known worldwide for their engagement in promoting social justice. Can you explain how the Scout Movement contributes to the fight against child labour?”

Children signed the appeal written by Geneva students …

“No to stolen childhoods!”

Children who work are children sold,With no schooling, no freedom of choice, no futureTo grow up and not to dieTo live and not just surviveWhen I was 10, I played with my brothers, sisters and neighbours…And You,You go down the mineWhen I was 10, I was afraid of monsters in books…And You,You are sick with fear in the darkness of the mineWhen I was 10, I watched cartoons….And You, condemned to forced labour,You don’t have the right to dream.Dream! Smile! Play! Hope! Live!This is why I am at Place des Nations todaySpeak out today? Denounce everyday!”

The Service Responsible for Induction and Insertion Classes (SCAI)– Geneva –Classes 201 and 205

Two girls from a local school

in Geneva read their appeal

against child labour, written on the

canvases hanging from the giant

chair:

Children from the International School of Geneva sang “Libérez les enfants”

The ILO staff members guided and participated in the activities with the children.

The Canvas of the School Play was also exhibited in Place des Nations of Geneva.

The event ended with a release of balloons.