DIMAPUR, June 11 - Nagaland Governor PB Acharya has called upon the people 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 his message on the occasion of World Day Against Child Labour which falls on June 12, the Governor pointed out that the International Labour Organisation (ILO) launched the Day 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 June12, the Day brings together governments, employers and workers organisations, 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, he felt the need to intensify and accelerate action to end child labour, including in areas affected by conflict and disasters.
Acharya 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 and also any work deemed to be harmful to the health, safety or morals of a child.
�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.
Acharya opined 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. Children must enjoy their childhood, he added.
