This article appears in the following Refugee Survey Quarterly issue: CHILDREN AT RISK [View the issue table of contents]
Combating Child Labour and Promoting Youth Empowerment
*Jane Colombini is a Project Officer, International Programme on the Elimination of Child Labour, International Labour Organization, Geneva. The views expressed in the article are the author's and do not necessarily represent those of the International Labour Organization.
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Abstract |
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The author provides a brief summary of the problem of child labour, the Conventions of the International Labour Organization (ILO) on child labour and the global extent of the problem. The article emphasises the importance of deepening and strengthening the worldwide movement against child labour as a catalyst for national action. There is a growing consensus that children and young people should be viewed as active partners in the worldwide movement against child labour. For this reason, in 2002, the ILO launched the SCREAM programme. SCREAM – which stands for Supporting Children's Rights through Education, the Arts and the Media – promotes meaningful child participation and youth empowerment. It is an education and social mobilization initiative that recognises that young people have an important role to play in raising awareness and exerting their influence in their communities to bring about social change. The elimination of child labour is an achievable albeit monumental task. In order to eradicate this human rights violation, a multifaceted approach is called for in which greater political commitment and advocacy efforts, by adults and young people alike, are key factors.