Social activists to call on gov't to abolish child labour

Social activists to call on gov't to abolish child labour

Published on Tuesday, 12 November 2013 23:44

YANGON—Social activists will demand that the government sign an agreement with the International Labour Organisation to end child labour in Myanmar.

"Myanmar has not signed anything with the ILO to abolish child labour. We will demand that the government sign it. We see children who have to work even though they should be in school. That's why we will demand the government set a minimum age to work," said Aung Myo Min from the Human Rights Education department.

"Children have to work because of poor living conditions. What will the government do to improve the families' living conditions? This is the government's responsibility."

The demand will be made during an International Children's Day ceremony to be held at the National Races Village in Yangon on November 20.

During the ceremony, the activists will talk about child labour in Myanmar, sexual harassment against children, the recruitment of child soldiers, and migrant children.

Yangon Region Chief Minister Myint Swe and various organizations working for children's rights have been invited to attend the ceremony.

In his May Day message this year, President Thein Sein said the government is working on ratifying the ILO's Convention No. 182, on Worst Forms of Child Labour.

Source: http://www.news.myanmaronlinecentre.com/2013/11/13/social-activists-to-call-on-govt-to-abolish-child-labour/