The World Day Against Child Labour (WDACL) is observed worldwide on 12 June and serves as a catalyst for the growing worldwide movement against child labour. Each year, the WDACL has a specific focus. In 2007, the main focus of the World Day is to raise awareness and promote activities on the elimination of child labour in agriculture. The International Labour Organization (ILO) estimates that 70% of child labour is found in this sector and the most recent Global Monitoring Report on Education For All indicated that more than 80% of out-of-school children are in rural areas.

As we approach the World Day, we encourage you to think creatively about possible ways in which Scout groups in your area could organise an activity, event or conference in to raise awareness on the problem of child labour. Many young people and adults around the world are already committed to marking this day with community-based activities. An activity brochure designed by the ILO for the Education International “World Day Against Child Labour” can be downloaded from the World Day 2007 section of the ILO website: www.ilo.org/ipec or from the right hand-column of this page. These activities, which are based on the SCREAM methodology, can be used to introduce young people to the problem of child labour in agriculture and develop ideas for action. We encourage you to translate these activities into local languages so as to involve as many children and young people as possible.

On this year’s World Day, a new internet website called “12 to 12”Community Portal on Child Labour is also being launched. The Portal derives its name from 12 June, the World Day Against Child Labour. The aim is to bring together the action taken by committed people working to combat child labour – ranging from international organizations and governments to universities, schools and youth groups – to strengthen the worldwide movement. We encourage Scouts to become members of the Portal. They will be able to access the Portal at: www.12to12.org. Once registered, members can upload information regarding any events planned, activities carried out or research conducted. In doing so, they will become part of a global network committed to the elimination of child labour worldwide.

To mark the day at its headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland, ILO/IPEC held a public event, organised jointly with the City of Geneva and “Le respect ça change la vie”, a Swiss Association, at the Place des Nations with 500 children from schools in Geneva releasing balloons in solidarity with the child labourers in agriculture all around the world. Click here to see photos of the special event.