SUVA, Fiji, June 12 (NNN-PINA) – About 231 children have been withdrawn by Fiji’s Ministry of Employment, Productivity and Industrial Relations, from child labour, Minister Parveen Kumar Bala said, at the World Day Against Child Labour celebrations, in Suva, capital of Fiji, today.
Bala said, some students have returned to school while others were admitted into technical training programmes.
He acknowledged the support from stakeholders and strategic partners, partner ministries, in making this happen and ensuring that Fijian children were given the best possible environment to grow and develop.
Bala stressed that the fight against child labour is a global one and Fiji needs to send children to schools, so they can make their own dream a reality.
He said, the government has previously worked with strategic partners, in signing an inter-agency guideline in Dec, 2015, and was working towards a National Policy on Child Labour, to ensure a collective approach towards eradicating child labour.
The International Labour Organisation (ILO) describes child labour as work that deprives children of their childhood, potential and dignity.
The theme for this year’s celebration is: “Children Shouldn’t Work In Fields, But On Dreams.”– NNN-PINA
