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250 m children around globe join labour force in early age: ILO

RECORDER REPORT

LAHORE: ILO Director Operation Dr N G Gek Boo on Tuesday claimed that 250 million children around the globe are engaged in labour work in early age and 61 percent of them belong to Asia.

He was addressing a seminar on 'Elimination of worst forms of child labour' arranged by the All Pakistan Federation of Trade Unions (APFTU).

He said that many of the working children have to work in an hazardous environment affecting their health, moral and safety. He, therefore stated, it is incumbent upon the state and respective civil society to combat the abuse of child labour to ensure better future for these children and families and society.

Dr. Boo said that the ILO was working for elimination of child labour abuse in 65 countries including Pakistan through cooperation of the government, employer, worker organisations and other sections of the society.

He urged Pakistan to ratify the convention No. 182 of the ILO, which ensures safety for working children and provides them meaningful education and support to the poor families.

The seminar was also addressed by Najeeb Ullah Malik, Secretary Labour, Punjab; Mohammad Ahsan Raja, Director Labour Welfare, Punjab; Tahir Malik, representative of the Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Mian Tajamal Hussain, President, Employers Federation of Pakistan, and Khurshid Ahmed, General Secretary of the APFTU.