Not Work, Need Education Say Children Rescued From Forced Labour
Pune, 3rd June 2021: Children need a safe environment at home. Especially in these troubled times, it is extremely important to care about their health and well being. Every child deserves a carefree childhood without worrying about the expense. No child should be forced to earn money.
On the occasion of World Anti-Child Labor Day, a state-level online seminar was organized by the Maharashtra Branch of the Anti-Child Labor Campaign. Children from different social and economic backgrounds from different districts of the state participated in this seminar and presented their problems. They also expressed expectations from the government to eradicate child labour. Most of the participating boys and girls were or are involved in farming, brick kilns, vegetable sales, housework, and garbage collection.
Representatives of various NGOs from across the state, social workers, teachers, parents and children participated in the seminar. Alicia Touro, the state coordinator of the anti-child labour campaign, expressed the need to give children the opportunity to express their views and demands through such seminars. Arokia Mary presented a list of demands of the anti-child labour campaign.
The major demands made in this session are as follows:
1. Liquor stores should be closed so that children can have a safe environment at home
2. The time should not come for the children to earn money for the family
3. Define child labour as well as clarify about risky and non-hazardous occupations
4. When parents are away from home for work, children should be provided with foster care centres
5. Adults in the family should be provided financial assistance and livelihood opportunities. If that happens, the children will be able to continue their education instead of working
6. All child rights mechanisms should be implemented at the local level
7. Awareness should be created about the importance of education
Join our Whatsapp Group, Telegram, and Twitter for each update about Pune and PCMC
