In a powerful display of solidarity and commitment, Caritas India’s Surokhit Shaishav programme, in collaboration with partners in West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh, and Assam, observed the World Day Against Child Labour on June 12, 2024 –. This year’s commemoration, marking the 25th anniversary of the Convention on the Worst Forms of Child Labour, featured a variety of awareness campaigns and activities aimed at eradicating child labour and promoting child rights.

A United Front Against Child Labour

Caritas India, dedicated to the theme “Let’s Act on Our Commitments: End Child Labour,” organized a series of events to raise awareness and sensitize the public about the critical issue of child labour. The Surokhit Shaishav programme, focused on abolishing child labour, child marriage, and trafficking, and aims to establish effective child protection systems across 184,646 people in the three states.

West Bengal

In West Bengal, Caritas India partnered with the West Bengal Commission for Protection of Child Rights to launch a week-long tableau campaign around Kolkata. This initiative aimed to build a consensus on preventing and eradicating child begging and labour. Activities included drawing competitions, school sensitizations on child labour and child marriage, and rallies.

Uttar Pradesh

Purvanachal Gramin Seva Samiti in Gorakhpur organized a week-long campaign focusing on creating a safe environment for children. The campaign started with an illustration competition on child labour, held in collaboration with the District Administration at Tehsil Sabhaghar in Maharajganj District. A multi-stakeholder meeting was also conducted, with the participation of local administration officials, including District Collector Mr. Pankaj Sahi, SSB Chief Shri Jagdish Prasad Dhabai, and representatives from the police, education, and women and child development departments.

Shri Jagdish Prasad Dhabai, Commander of the 66th B SSB, emphasized, “To stop child labour, every section of society must come forward. Improving the financial condition of families who send their children to work and providing good education are key to ending this menace.”

In Nautanwa, a rally was flagged off by the Anti Romeo Police team, involving 65 students from Madrasa Sanaullah Education and Technical Girls College. The rally entered brick kiln areas, sending a strong message against child labour.

In Bahraich, Dehat India conducted a three-day public awareness campaign through miking in Nawabgunj Block. Flagged off by Child Welfare Police Officer Shri Ashok Singh, the vehicle distributed pamphlets and raised awareness from Rupaidiha market to the Indo-Nepal border.

Assam

Seva Kendra Silchar observed the day in collaboration with DCPU Cachar Assam. Over 60 participants from 15 villages gathered for an event at Kalain SR Conference Hall. Discussions focused on the Child Labour Prohibition Act and the Child Marriage Act, with contributions from legal protection officers and union organizers. Youth groups distributed posters and leaflets, emphasizing collective action for children’s holistic growth and development.

Promoting Child Rights and Education

Other partners, including Bal Suraksha Abhiyan Trust in Kalimpong and Anugyalaya Darjeeling Social Service Society, organized educational sessions and rallies. The Bal Suraksha Abhiyan Trust held sessions for class X students at Chandramaya High School, while Anugyalaya Darjeeling Social Service Society engaged over 118 students and teachers in Darjeeling, promoting the theme and highlighting children’s rights.

In Assam, Seva Kendra Siliguri and Suprava Panchashila Mahila Uddyog Samiti (SPMUS) organized rallies, campaigns, and school sessions to further the cause. The Kolkata Mary Ward Social Centre also actively participated, reinforcing Caritas India’s commitment to ending child labour.

A Commitment to Action

Caritas India’s Surokhit Shaishav programme continues to work towards the abolition of child labour and other forms of child exploitation by establishing robust child protection systems and promoting children’s rights to education and development. The observance of World Day Against Child Labour underscores their dedication to these goals and complements government efforts to eliminate child labour.

The combined efforts of Caritas India and its partners on this significant day have once again emphasized the urgent need to protect children’s rights and ensure their safe, educated, and healthy development. Through continued collaboration and commitment, a future free of child labour and exploitation is within reach.