EU’s R168m to eradicate child labour
J2+A11(S%UR* ± 7he (uropean Union (U has announced a R168 million donation towards the eradica tion of child labour in the agriculture sector.
'elegates at the 5th *lobal &on ference on the elimination of child labour say ending child labour will require increased social protection and monitoring of supply chain through a multi stakeholder approach.
Research by the ,nternational /a bour 2rganisation ,/2 indicates that child labour increased by 16.6 million in Sub Saharan Africa in the last four years.
According to a declaration of the 4th *lobal &onference on &hild /abour held in 2017, 71 percent of child labour is performed in the agriculture sector.
(uropean Union &ommissioner for ,nternational 3artnership Jutta Urpilainen announced the (U’s latest support towards the elimination of child labour in the sector.
Responsibility
Urpilainen says, “And we have the responsibility as policymakers, as companies and consumers. So right now we work to boost food security, production in partner countries, in parallel and we must pay particular attention to child labour.
“7his is why , can announce today that the (uropean Union will invest R168 million in a new action target ing child labour in agriculture value chains.”
A global activist against child labour and 1obel 3eace /aureate, .ailash Satyarthi said rich countries must develop a sense of compassion and urgency to support children in poor countries.
Satyarthi said, “Spending or in vestment on 40 per cent of children is less than two percent, and that is unacceptable. So fair share for chil dren, that is one, and that also includes social protection, but social protection should be demystified, people should not get into this big phrase, very simple, education for children, health for children, food for children, this requires US$53 billion.”