ASIA: Da Delhi in India, Butterflies, ci fa sapere come si è svolta la giornata mondiale contro il lavoro minorile, leggi il riassunto o l'intero report in inglese.
LISTEN, CHILDREN SPEAK !
-An Event By Children
READ the entire Report: On World Day Against Child Labour - 12th June 2008, at Satyagraha Mandap,Gandhi Darshan- Raj Ghat,New Delhi- India
A brief report:
Every year World Day against Child Labour is observed on 12th June wherein experts meet, leaders make speeches and once again more promises are made to eradicate child labour. Professionals debate, arguments are made and slogans are repeated that Child Labour is the cause of poverty and not the other way around. Solutions are prescribed which seem simple and logical, enforce education to eradicate child labour. While many believe that children have rights - survival, development, protection and participation but it is obvious we have not arrived there, not anywhere close. Similarly, most also agree that no children should be exploited as in child labour but should have the facility and support to go to school and enjoy quality education. However as
of today this is a goal to be achieved and for many children, a dream to be realized.
With the belief that children too are stakeholders and they are partners in our efforts towards ensuring their rights, Butterflies & CASP Delhi in collaboration with Delhi Child Rights Club and leading child rights organizations in Delhi, organized an event called LISTEN, CHILDREN SPEAK to look at ideas and experiences which the children have regarding causes of child labour and their suggestions to address the problem. In the environment of the presence of the spirit of our Father of our Nation, 150 marginalized children from 20 grassroots NGOs of Delhi, committed to protection of Children's Rights, came together to share their thoughts ,views and opinions on issues of their concern with the adult world.
Anchored by children themselves the event began with young participants discussing in groups 1- Reasons for Child Labor, 2. Solutions for Child Labor, 3. If they are the Prime Minister what 3 steps would they would take to solve this Child Labor problem. Emerging from their discussion children believed that poverty, illiteracy of parents and lack of education were the main reason for Child Labour. They also felt that lack of opportunities for employment along with landlessness, debt, family problems, increasing inflation and low family income were responsible for the same.
While discussing the solution to the issue of Child Labour, majority were of the opinion that education for all and employment opportunities for parents would bring about the much required change in the present scenario. They felt that the government support was essential through proper implementation of existing laws on Child Labour and supporting NGO's committed to the protection of the rights of children. Majority felt that if they become the Prime Minister they would first of all address the issue of poverty, open avenues for job opportunities for the poor and provide quality education to all.
This was followed by children expressing themselves through skits, songs and dances their thoughts on various child rights related issues like mental and sexual abuse of children, child labour, child trafficking, drugs and children, juvenile justice, female feticide, Children and HIV/AIDS etc. Children's effort resulted in the DELHI CHILDREN'S DECLARATION ON CHILD LABOUR which was presented to the South Asia Regional Congress on Child Labour and Education at the Constitution Club,New Delhi.
The participants of the regional congress appreciated children's effort and congratulated them for bringing out this intensive declaration. They further stressed that government should undertake immediate action to ensure protection of children.
In the declaration children expressed their anguish against their exploitation and bonded labour. They felt that children should get opportunities for their holistic development that includes their mental, physical, emotional, and spiritual development. They demanded quality education and vocational training for secured future
especially for adolescent. Girls' education, accessibility to school, facilities in school like toilets for girls, drinking water, proper sanitation TLMs etc. were also put forth by children. They also felt that employment and proper wages for their parents would go a long way to lead a secured life.
The day ended with the Valedictory session wherein children presented their views on the issue of child labour to the dignitaries. The chief guest, Mr. A.K. Gopal, Director ,National Institute of Public Cooperation and Child Development (NIPCCD) highly appreciated the presentation and group discussion of children and was of the opinion that it was important for the adults to listen to them as it is the children who come out with creative solutions.
An interesting feature of the event was the rolling child rights trophy for Child Rights Quiz that was instituted with the support from UNODC Global Initiative to Fight Trafficking (GIFT). The winning NGO , Bal Sahyog, was awarded with a trophy and a cash prize of Rs. 20,000/- by the chief guest. The organizers stated that this new concept would be an annual feature showcasing the commitment of NGOs, as well as encouraging them towards the protection of child rights.
Unfortunately none of the minister from the Ministry of Women and Child Development nor from the Ministry of Labour had time to listen to children.
The event was anchored by children, Komal and Shailandra from CASP while the valedictory session was faciliotated by Mr. Gerry Pinto, Specialist, Child rights and Child Protection.
On the whole, the event was a complete success and gave adults an insight into the world of children.
Delhi Children's Declaration on Child Labour
1. We stand united against any form of exploitative and bonded child labour.
2. We believe that all children should get opportunities for mental, physical, moral, and spiritual
growth irrespective of their caste, creed,class or gender.
3. Since many of us have to work, we are unable to go to school and enjoy our childhood. Also many of us are
exposed to various hazards at our work places. This hampers our overall growth and development.
4. It is unfortunate that there are many families in India who are poor and struggle for survival. So the children also
join their parents in making ends meet. Therefore, it is important that the families are supported in their daily
struggle of survival before children are pulled out of work.
5. Education is important for children but many drop out of school because they don't find it interesting, meaningful
and worthwhile.
6. When we attain 14 years of age, we should be get vocational training opportunities so that we can get jobs
when we become adults.
7. For the girls amongst us there are other problems like lack of separate toilets in schools. Also, many girls are
unable to attend school because there are only male teachers in the school. Furthermore, girls are expected to
look after their younger siblings at home. The government
needs to be sensitive to these factors and make necessary arrangements.
8. If children are removed from work then there has to be a proper rehabilitation plan. The children must be
consulted in finding a solution because we believe that we understand our situations the best and can offer the
best solutions.
Organisations Participated in this programme were: Angaja Foundation, Asha deep Foundation,Bal Sahyog.Butterflies,CASP Delhi, CASP Plan, Deepalaya,Don Bosco Ashalayam,Habitat Learning Centre,Indian Council For Child Welfare,Navjyoti Delhi Police Foundation, Prayas, Prayatn, Salaam Baalak Trust,Scope Plus, Shape - India,SOS Children's Village, Udayan Care,Vidya and Vishwa Yuvak Kendra.
This Event was supported by: Action Aid, Christian Aid, Gap Inc, Indo Global Social Service Society, Plan India, UNICEF and UNODC
Detailed report of this programme is ready. Interested people/organisations can write to us for the detailed report.
In Solidarity with Working Children, in their struggle for a better tomorrow.
K K Tripathy