Rights organisations announce drive against child labour

KATHMANDU: Various non-government organisations including Children and Women in Social Service and Human Rights (CWISH) will be organising various programmes to mark the World Day against Child Labour on June 12.

On the occasion of 15th World Day against Child Labour, the organisations would hold programmes to minimise child labour with the slogan “End child labor in supply chains - It's everyone's business!”

For this, the non-governmental organisations have called on government and other stakeholders to work efficiently with a mission to eradicate use of children in labour in the country in accordance to the new Constitution 2072 and a commitment made at the International Labour Organisation (ILO) on 2002.

Around the world, about 168 million children are working as labourers in agriculture, construction and mining as well as service sectors. The figure is also significantly dangerous in Nepal as well as in India, Bangladesh and Pakistan.

In Nepal, 26 per cent of children (aged 5-17) are involved in child labour and 92 per cent of them working without any pay, a statement issued by CWISH today informed.

Meanwhile, the organisations have urged the government to implement the Child Labour Act barring children below the age of 15 from work, rescue those who are working as labourers, ensure their security and provide them with free education and health facilities.

They have also demanded action against those who are involved in child labour exploitation as per the law.