CHILDREN'S
welfare advocates are commemorating
the 7th anniversary of the Global March
Against child labour from January 17
to 22.
In the Philippines, this year's theme
is "Anti-child labour Law Ipatupad,
Batas Kasambahay Ipasa Agad, Batang
Manggagagawa Iligtas!"
The Global March Against child labour
mobilized anti-child labour advocates
in 1998 to call the world's attention
to the basic issues of working children,
especially those belonging to the worst
forms.
The year 2005 marks the start of an
all-out campaign of the Global-March
Against child labour partners to "spread
the good news" and popularize the
implementation of the new law.
In this weeklong celebration, legislators,
program implementers, students, civil
society advocates, private citizens
and other stakeholders will be the target
of this year's advocacy to provide more
effective protection to our children,
especially those languishing under worst
forms of child labour.
The event will also be a venue to push
for another legislation that has long
been overlooked-the Batas Kasambahay,
the only child labour-related bill not
yet passed into the law.
This year, another milestone is worth
celebrating - the adoption of the Implementing
Rules and Regulations for RA 9231, the
law on child labour.
After so much debate, consultations
and intense lobbying, the law and its
implementing framework have finally
been delivered and child labourers may
have something to smile about.
Activities
This
week's simultaneous activities nationwide
are forums on child labour, which are
joint undertakings of Global March partners,
schools, and student organizations.
In Iloilo, the forum, spearheaded by
the Visayan Forum Foundation Inc., will
be held at UP Visayas Iloilo Campus
AVR on January 19, 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.
A special dialogue will be held at the
Senate also on January 19 to discuss
the passage of the Batas Kasambahay
with senators and key legislative staff.
On January 22, a Symbolic March, Festival
of child labour Films and Documentaries,
and Fun Day will cap the weeklong activities.
Source:
http://www.sunstar.com.ph/static/ilo/2005/01/17/feat/iloilo.joins.global.march.against.child.labor.html
