“World Day Against Child Labour” Performance, organized by the International Labour Organization in collaboration with Cittadellarte – Fondazione Pistoletto

Mr. Ryder,
Maestro Pistoletto,
Ms. Mugo [Spokesperson for the Employers’ Group],
Mr. Cortebeeck [Chair of the Workers’ Group],
Excellencies,
Students,
Ladies and Gentlemen:

A warm welcome to today’s performance to mark the World Day Against Child Labour, organized by the International Labour Organization in collaboration with Cittadellarte – Fondazione Pistoletto.

The World Day Against Child Labour has been celebrated since 2002, inspired by ILO Convention No. 138 on the minimum age for employment and ILO Convention No. 182 on the worst forms of child labour.

Although a lot of progress has been made, an estimated 168 million children are still forced into child labour. Out of those, an estimated 5.5 million are being exploited and forced into modern slavery. Poverty, the lack of education and of sustainable jobs amplify the risks these children face. In addition, conflicts and disasters have become new drivers of child labour. Destruction of schools means that children cannot finish their education. In times of conflict and disaster, livelihoods are disrupted and children may have to contribute to the families’ quest for survival. Children are recruited as child soldiers. Displacement increases the risk of child trafficking or sexual exploitation. Refugee children and unaccompanied minors may need to resort to child labour as a strategy of survival.

This year, therefore, the World Day Against Child Labour focuses on the impact of conflicts and disasters on child labour.

With target 8.7 of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, the international community has confirmed its commitment to end child labour in all its forms, including forced labour, modern slavery and human trafficking.

Here in International Geneva we are happy to count on ILO as a strong partner for the implementation of this target. ILO’s Governing Body adopted in 2016 the Guiding principles on the access of refugees and other forcibly displaced persons to the labour market. These Principles also call for measures to combat and prevent child labour. The topic also features prominently at the current 106th Session of the International Labour Conference where the proposed ILO Recommendation concerning Employment and Decent Work for Peace and Resilience is discussed. This Recommendation calls for specific action against child labour in the context of conflicts or disasters.

These are just some examples of ILO’s commitments to tackling the issues at stake. I sincerely thank our colleagues at ILO for bringing this important topic to the Palais des Nations and Ariana Park. As we hear the testimonies of children from the Democratic Republic of Congo, Myanmar, Syria and Uganda, read out by children from Geneva, let us remember that too many children today cannot enjoy simply being children.

The interlinked circles of the “Rebirth” sculpture, generously donated by Maestro Michelangelo Pistoletto, should inspire us to join forces. The goal of eliminating child labour in all its forms is ambitious, but the children, especially the ones living in or fleeing from conflict and disaster deserve our unwavering efforts.

Thank you very much and enjoy today’s performance.