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Special High-level Session on the Launch of the Time Bound Programme on the Worst Forms of Child Labour in the Republic of El Salvador, the Kingdom of Nepal and the United Republic of Tanzania

12 June 2001

It is a great pleasure for us today to welcome the participants of the Special High-Level Session on the Launch of the Time-Bound Programme on the Worst Forms of Child Labour in the Republic of El Salvador, the Kingdom of Nepal and the United Republic of Tanzania.

As I said in my acceptance address at the opening session of the Conference, child workers are the most vulnerable groups and demand our preferential attention. In the world of today, it is intolerable that millions of our girls and boys should be working in exploitative and extremely hazardous conditions. We know that much of this can be traced to poverty. In many instances, the problem also arises when poor people’s lack of choice and need to survive coincides with their search for cheaper and more flexible labour.

The complexity of the processes that bring about child labour calls for integrated action and broad-based support from all sectors of society. There is no doubt that global consensus is solidly against the most abusive forms of child labour. The unanimous adoption of the Worst Forms of Child Labour Convention (No. 182) by the International Labour Conference in 1999, demonstrated this clearly.

This morning, we are honouring three States that are taking the important step of launching time-bound programmes in their respective countries. Time-bound programmes are tightly integrated and coordinated action aimed at eliminating a country’s worst forms of child labour, within a defined period of time.

On the occasion of this Special Sitting, the Conference has the great honour of receiving the visit of His Excellency, Mr. Benjamin Mkapa, President of the United Republic of Tanzania.

However, before the privilege of hearing the words of President Mkapa, I shall turn to Mr. Somavia and to our other guests, all of whom are at the forefront of the combat against the worst forms of child labour. Mr. Somavia you have the floor.

On behalf of all the participants and officers of the Conference, I should like to thank President Mkapa for his illuminating statement. This has been an extraordinary session. While we have heard many times at recent conferences about the issue of child labour, the eloquence, the passion and the commitment of the speakers today have truly moved us.

First and foremost we are inspired by the commitment of the United Republic of Tanzania, Nepal and El Salvador. Despite huge challenges in their countries, they are the first to launch this bold new approach to eradicate the worst forms of child labour. We are also greatly encouraged by the moral, political and financial support extended by the Governments of the United States and Germany and by other donors to IPEC. We are enthusiastic about the ILO’s intensified efforts, within the marvellous framework of IPEC, to address the worst forms of child labour.

I would like to take this opportunity to announce that the Philippines is in the process of preparing for its own time-bound programme. Since 1994, in partnership with the ILO and other organizations, we have succeeded in giving a high profile to the problem of child labour. I believe that we have also produced some of the best practices for mobilizing a broad range of social, economic and political actors against the worst forms of child labour. Now we wish to set higher targets for ourselves.

I believe that we are all at one in our commitment to eliminate child labour and offer our children the best future possible. The pace will differ from country to country because of differing histories and situations, but I am confident that we will reach our goals.

Updated by HK. Approved by RH. Last update: 13 June 2001.