The battle against child labour has raged on for years. While several victories have been recorded, a lot more has to be done, considering the fact that at least 168 million children in different countries around the world, are still in child labour. This means that there is a possibility that children below working age can be found in all supply chains in different economic sectors.
source: colorstv.com
According to Guy Ryder (ILO Director-General), “Child labour has no place in well-functioning and well-regulated markets, or in any supply chain. The message that we must act now to stop child labour once and for all, has been affirmed by the Sustainable Development Goals. Acting together, it is within our means to make the future of work a future without child labour."
source: scout.org
We support this statement and we call on governments, civil societies, labour unions and everyone in general to come together against child labour in supply chains ranging from agriculture to manufacturing, services to construction. We also encourage businesses to make use of the Child Labour Guidance Tool which was jointly created by the International Labour Organisation and the International Organisation of Employers. This document serves as an important guide towards carrying out business activities in accordance with international standards on child labour.
The children of today are the young people of tomorrow and will also be the leaders of tomorrow. Let us end child labour in supply chains. It is everyone’s business!