World Day Against Child Labor

June 10, 2010

Press Statement  

Visayan Forum Foundation, Inc. joins the 2010 celebration of the World Day Against Child Labor a decade after the International Labour Organisation’s Convention on the Worst Forms of Child Labour (ILO Convention No. 182) was adopted.

In the past ten years, millions of children worldwide have benefitted from the Convention. But millions more continue to be trapped in unacceptable forms of labor as the oppressive conditions and events have escalated over time. Economic troubles, political turmoil, and social strife have pushed girls and boys to engage in labor activities that have endangered their mental and physical health and safety.

Countless children are employed as domestic workers enduring conditions unfit for their young minds and bodies. They are subjected to gruesome practices because of their desire to provide better opportunities for themselves and their families. Such abusive labor practices, especially for the young and innocent, perpetuates the cycle of poverty that enables child labor.

Our efforts to end child labor can be solidified through the creation of comprehensive instruments setting the standards and rights for domestic workers which will protect not only the women and men part of that invisible sector but most importantly, the children exposed to back breaking work and harsh working conditions. Such legal safeguards will serve as goal posts for our aim to eradicate the worst forms of child labor by 2016.

As such, Visayan Forum calls for a stronger Philippine commitment for the adoption of the proposed ILO Convention on Decent Work for Domestic Workers which is currently being discussed in Geneva.  Visayan Forum seeks for the immediate passage of the long-awaited Magna Carta for Domestic Workers.  Visayan Forum, along with its partners from the trade unions, government agencies, non-government agencies, and employers groups, are united in reforming existing laws and practices that propagate the culture and practice of abuse and exploitation to our most invisible workers.

Visayan Forum Foundation remains committed in helping the Philippines reach its goal of eradicating 75% of all worst forms of child labor by 2015.  With our partner organizations and communities, we strive for a safe and healthy environment for our children and provide them opportunities for good education and protected employment conditions. Let us unite and work for a better world for the future generations. Together, let us go for the goal and end child labor.  

For inquiries, additional information or interviews, please contact Mr. Jerome Alcantara (0920-9239150) or Ms. Shelley Sibya (0929-7328198). You may also contact the Policy Center of Visayan Forum at 709-0711/ 709-0573 loc. 106/ telefax: 421-9423 or log on to www.visayanforum.org.