Caritas India’s observed World Day against Child Labour to promote the theme “Universal Social Protection to End Child Labour” in the program areas. Multiple activities were organised to mark the day and create awareness for the common public.

The World Day Against Child Labour is observed every year on the 12th of June to highlight the steps that need to be taken to eliminate child labour. The day is observed to revamp and raise awareness on issues of children who are exploited in different forms and denied their basic rights. This day is observed by many civil societies who work for the cause of child rights. It aims to bring together governments and civil society organizations as a combined effort for Nation Building by building the young children’s prospects.

Caritas India is committed to creating a safe environment for children and works towards the protection of children from any type of abuse. Significant initiatives were taken in the past at the national and state level by engaging with different stakeholders especially policymakers to develop child-friendly laws. In the State of West Bengal, Caritas India has achieved several milestones in terms of creating children’s clubs, child parliaments, child labour-free zones and child-friendly police stations.

Our empowered children have been nominated for the International Children’s Peace Prize in the year 2020.

All development and emergency programs have a special focus on the most vulnerable including women, person with disability, elders and children. The child protection policy of Caritas India reaffirms its philosophy and values that children are persons with rights and by adopting the same it intends to streamline all its interventions and make them child-sensitive. Caritas understands the underlying causes behind child labour and addresses those issues by promoting social protection programs and improving food and nutrition security.

The observance of World Day against Child Labour reinforces the commitment to end child labour in society. Eliminating child labour and improving the situation is a collaborative process with all stakeholders and events like this strengthen the collective commitment.

Here are some of the glimpses of the observation by partners. 

Centre for Development Initiatives (CDI)

CDI organised a rally against child labor, cultural program and games on this day. Around 185 children participated in the program from 5 villages under Udalguri district in their project intervening areas i.e. Singgaon, Bellowcchuburi, Banantola-1, Bagantola-2 and Chandana T.E. On the contrary, the children were accompanied by a few parents which gave a ray of hope in the program for the children. “Miss Roni Daimari the District coordinator of the Social Welfare Department”, Udalguri graced the occasion with the message – “Childhood is for Learning and not for Earning.

Itanagar Development Empowerment Association (IDEA) 

IDEA in collaboration with World Vision observed the day at New Sopung, Arunachal Pradesh to create an awareness in preventing child labour. The participants were youths, children and parents. Altogether 56 participated; among them were 26 students and 30 parents. The speakers from the World vision and IDEA gave speeches on the importance of education and encouraged the youths and children to study well. Also, the speaker spoke about the ill effect of child labour where the children are deprived from study and do not have time to live their life as happily as they should live, and also aware to end up the modern slavery system and talked about the Childline number 1098.

NEDAN Foundation (NF)

NEDAN foundation observed the day at Banganpara, Kachugaon village under Kokrajar district. The program had participants from the children group, adolescent group, VLCPC and members from different villages of the Kachugaon areas. Altogether 150 participated. Community Outreach Worker of NEDAN foundation Sri Swikna explained the objectives of World Day Against Child Labour, followed by a few games on the concentration of the mind of children.

Seva Kendra Dibrugarh (SKD)

SKD observed the day jointly with CDI (implementing in the same jurisdiction) engulfing the school children of Morning Star School NOLONI under Sarupathar block. There were around 68 students including 8 teachers and the principal. Adv. Anila Toppo, COW for SKD explained briefly the theme “ Universal Social protection to End Child Labour”, and heightened upon the 4 (four) rights of a child i.e- Right to Live, Right to Food, Right to shelter and Right to Education. The session was completed with a quiz completion along with prizes for the winners. The speaker asked each student to help another child by preventing them to become child labour.

Seva Kendra Silchar(SKS)

SKS observed the day in a special and meaningful way in Lowairpoa block and Kalain block. It was jointly observed with World Vision. The guest and speakers of the day were:- block Officers, Panchayats and Village headman. In Kalain block there were around 110 participants. An awareness of the importance of education and the negative impact of child labour on families and society was given.