By IANS,
Geneva : The International Labour Organisation (ILO) Wednesday said that countries should take inspiration from the momentum and pulsating energy of the 2010 FIFA World Cup and aim for the goal of eliminating child labour by 2016.
World Day Against Child Labour is observed June 12.
“While billions are caught up in the excitement of the football World Cup, some 215 million children are labouring for survival. Let us draw inspiration from the World Cup and rise to the challenge with the energy, the right strategy and the commitment it takes to get to the goal,” ILO director-general Juan Somavia said in a statement.
“Progress towards ending child labour is slowing down and we are not on course to end its worst forms by 2016. We have to get the momentum going again,” he added.
The World Cup is scheduled to begin Friday in South Africa.
According to the statement of the ILO, a UN agency, there will be various events to mark the World Day Against Child Labour.
Besides high level policy debates, football matches, debates and cultural campaigns, there will also be a red card campaign against child labour which will aim at using football to spread the message.