DOLE pushes for tripartite action vs child labor

As the World Day Against Child Labor on June 14 approaches, the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) pushed for a "tripartite effort" in fighting against child labor. DOLE Secretary Rosalinda Baldoz said the government is fighting children labor through: poverty reduction, social protection, and education planning. “I (urge) the (DOLE's) social partners, civil society and other sectors to help build political and popular commitment against child labor by playing leading roles in advocacy and awareness raising efforts against this social menace," she said in a news release posted on the DOLE website. “Child labor is a widespread phenomenon all over the world. Children who work are frequently victims of mistreatment, physical violence, and psychological abuse. Girls are even more vulnerable, often becoming easy targets of sexual abuse by employers and co-workers," she added. Baldoz said the Philippines must reinvigorate its anti-child labor program based on President Benigno Aquino III’s goal to promote labor standards compliance. She also said the anti-child labor program aims to align the country’s labor policies with international treaties and the conventions of the International Labor Organization that have been ratified by the Philippines. Baldoz said the Philippines intends to actively participate in the activities of the World Day Against Child Labor. “World Day Against Child Labor is an important opportunity for people around the world to call attention to the plight of child workers and to call for stronger labor protection for workers everywhere," she said. She said the DOLE and the Bureau of Workers with Special Concerns (BWSC) is working with various groups to line up activities for the celebration. This year’s theme for the celebration is “Mapanganib na Paggawa, Bawal sa Bata." The DOLE cited the International Labor Organization, which said the worst forms of child labor include selling or trafficking children, the forced recruitment of child soldiers, using or offering children for prostitution or the production of pornography, and using, procuring, or offering of children for illicit activities or any other activities likely to harm children. - VVP, GMA News