Stakeholders In Port Harcourt Call For Elimination Of Child Labour

By: Awajis Josiah-Chijindu

Human rights activists have called for all hands to be on deck to eliminate child labour.

They made the call as Nigeria joins the global communities to mark world day against child labour.

The day is held yearly on June 12 to raise awareness and solicit for prompt actions towards stopping child labour in all of its forms.

According to the International Labour Organziation, Child Labour refers to any work that is mentally, physically, socially or morally dangerous and harmful to children; and which  also deprived them of the opportunity to attend school.

The World Day Against Child Labour since it was enacted in 2002 has sought for ways to eliminate child labour in the world.

It is in this premise that Stakeholders in Rivers State called on Government and all citizens to join hands together to put an end to Child Labour.

Rivers State Commander, National Agency for the prohibition of trafficking in persons, NAPTIP; 

Mrs. Nwamaka Ikediashi noted that the government has adopted the Child Rights Act in Nigeria and the command had caught some offenders of Child Labour over the years.

On his part, a human rights advocate, Mr. Prince Wiro, stated that citizens also have a role to play in eliminating child labour. 

Also speaking, advocacy officer Centre for Environment, Human Rights and Development, Mr Josiah Egbilika explained that Child Labour can come in different forms such as subjecting a child to hard labour.

Mr. Egbilika however suggested that the media should create sensitization programmes, jingle or discussions that speak against Child Labour always and not just on June 12, that the day is being marked

The theme for this year's world day against child labour is Let’s act on our commitments: End Child Labour!