Events » World Day Against Child Labour - [12 Jun 2004]

World Day Against Child Labour ILO Press Release INTERNATIONAL PROGRAM ON THE ELIMINATION OF CHILD LABOUR MALAWI COMMERCIAL AGRICULTURE PROGRAM Read the Press Release » Download Word File - 145 KB PDF File - 26 KB

12 June 2004 - ILO Geneva

World Day Against Child Labour

Theme : Behind Closed Doors: Child Domestic Labour

Too many children who are in domestic labour are victims of exploitation. As they clean, cook, care for their employer’s children, do heavy housework, they are deprived of rights due to them as children in international law - the right to play; visits with their family and friends; decent accommodation; and protection from sexual harassment or physical and mental abuse.

Children employed in private homes do not have access to the protection that is their right. Unlike other workers, they live behind closed doors, where no one witnesses their abuse and oppression.

Research suggests that, across the globe, more girls under the age of 16 are employed in domestic labour than in any other form of work. This form of child exploitation is the focus of growing global concern.

On 12th June 2004, the third World Day against Child Labour, the ILO will focus attention on child domestic labour with the release of a groundbreaking report in Geneva and across the world.

In Malawi, the event is expected to be officially held on 9th July. Visit this page regularly for new updates.

Let us each look into our own homes with open eyes. Children in domestic service are – above all – children.