NCPCR to Commemorate World Day Against Child Labour on June 12

The National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) is commemorating World Day Against Child Labour here on 12 June, 2012. The theme for this year is- “JUSTICE FOR CHILDREN – END CHILD LABOUR”. The aim of commemorating this day is to highlight the need to protect the rights of the child and eliminate child labour and other violations of fundamental rights of children, in all forms.

The World Day Against Child Labour was launched by the International Labour Organization (ILO) in 2002 to generate awareness about the practice of child labour in different sectors. ILO estimates that there are 218 million child labourers worldwide. The Government of India’s 2001 census estimated that 12.7 million are involved in child labour. Children constitute 3.6% of the total labour force in India. By entering the labour market prematurely, they are deprived of education and training that can help to lift them, their families and communities out of a cycle of poverty. As child labouers they are exposed to physical, psychological or moral suffering that can cause long term damage to their lives.

Mrs. Neela Gangadharan, Secretary, Minister of Women and Child Development, will be the Chief Guest. Prof. Shantha Sinha, Chairperson, NCPCR and Dr. L. D. Mishra, former Principal Secretary, Ministry of Labour, Govt of India and currently Special Adviser North-East Cell will address the participants. Dignitaries from other Central Government Ministries, Central Autonomous Bodies, National Commissions, State Government Departments, State Commissions for Protection of Child Rights (SCPCRs), UN Agencies, Inter Governmental Organisations and selected INGOs/NGOs working towards abolition of child labour will also attend the function.