World Day Against Child Labour is observed on 12 June every year around the world. The day aims to spread awareness about the illegal practice of child labour that still prevails. The objective of this day is also to spread awareness to eradicate it completely across the globe.
Child labour still exists and children, mostly from poor families, are forced to work in hazardous conditions. Such children are deprived of living their childhood while many also miss the opportunity of attending schools.
Malaysia has ratified The International Labour Organization (ILO) Minimum Age Convention (C138) and Worst Forms of Child Labour Convention (C182). In November 2019, Malaysia also expressed interest to become an Alliance 8.7 Pathfinder Country. Alliance 8.7 is a global partnership focusing on accelerating actions toward achieving SDG Target 8.7, scaling up solutions that work, driving innovation, and leveraging and maximizing the impact of resources to eradicate forced labour, modern slavery, human trafficking and child labour.
It is great to hear that Malaysia is currently developing the first National Action Plan on Child Labour in Malaysia. This National Action Plan will comprise of programmes to intensify awareness amongst the public regarding child labour, protect young workers and enhance national capacity to eradicate child labour including strengthening enforcement, establishing referral mechanism and improving social protection.
#EndChildLabour2021
AINIE HAZIQAH
Ketua Wanita Muda Negara
