June 12, 2015 - Children are the future and our most precious resource. Over the past several years, the international community has made important progress toward eliminating child labour. And yet, 85 million children globally are still involved in the worst forms of child labour, including hazardous work, are being sold and trafficked, and sexually exploited commercially. This is inexcusable, and we must do more to protect the rights of these children.
Canada supports the ratification and implementation of international standards that protect children from economic exploitation and from being forced to do work that could be hazardous or harmful to their health and development.
Currently, many countries lack appropriate safeguards, such as regulations, policies and services, to protect children. Along with international partners such as the International Labour Organization, Canada is working to combat the worst forms of child labour around the world, so no child’s future opportunities are limited as a result of hazardous work.
Through its Securing the Future for Children and Youth Strategy, Canada works with developing countries to implement child protection systems that better protect children from violence, exploitation and abuse. This strategy includes Canada’s support for education so that every girl and boy has access to quality education, and every youth and adult gains the skills needed to succeed in life.
Canada is a global leader on maternal, newborn and child health, and is working to build comprehensive civil registration and vital statistics systems in many developing countries, which will play no small part in helping to end child labour. Proper legal documentation is essential so that children and their families can access health services, go to school, own property, open a bank account or be able to vote and participate in elections. It also helps to safeguard people’s rights and safety, such as protecting them against violence and abuse, child trafficking, early and forced marriage, and other harmful practices.
On the World Day Against Child Labour, Canada joins its many partners around the world in remembering the young girls and boys who have needlessly suffered and died as a result of unacceptable child labour practices. And we reiterate our commitment to ending all forms of violence, exploitation and abuse that keep children from reaching their full potential. Our commitment to this important issue will not cease until all children are protected.
Christian Paradis
Minister of International Development and La Francophonie
Media Relations Office
Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development Canada
343-203-7700
media@international.gc.ca
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