12 June - World Day against Child Labour

The World Day Against Child Labour is marked today, 12 June.

The day aims to draw attention to the millions of children around the world who are forced to work instead of learning and enjoying their childhood.

According to the UN, 160 million children are still engaged in child labour. That's nearly one in ten children in the world.

This year's Child Labour Day is dedicated to the 25th anniversary of the adoption of the Convention on the Prohibition and Immediate Action for the Elimination of the Worst Forms of Child Labour.

It is worth noting that Kazakhstan ratified this Convention in 2002 and also adopted the Convention on Minimum Age for Admission to Employment.

Despite this, facts of illegal employment of adolescents still occur. A systematic and balanced fight must be waged against it. Child labour deprives children of their rights and jeopardises their future.

Work to eradicate child labour requires joint efforts and must be carried out at all levels, from educational and social services to human rights organisations.

We also need to work harder to prevent children from doing hazardous work and provide them with real alternatives, such as safe schools and quality education. And where a child is of working age, it is important to provide them with a safe working environment.

Together, we can prevent this problem. If there are children in your neighbourhood who are involved in activities that threaten their health, safety or morals, report it to the competent authorities, do not stand by.

Let's create a better future for them!

 

With regards,

Commissioner for Human Rights in the Republic of Kazakhstan

Artur Lastaev