India Committee of the Netherlands
+++ In solidarity with the oppressed in India +++
CHILD LABOUR & EDUCATION - DOSSIER ADVOCACY
Jan 11, 2019:
Answers to Parliamentary Questions by Member Voordewind (ChristianUnion) :
(subm. Nov 27, 2018) to the Minister for Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation on child labour and non-payment of minimum wages by Dutch and in the Netherlands active seed companies operating in India
(subm. Nov 27, 2018) to the Minister for Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation on child labour and non-payment of minimum wages by Dutch and in the Netherlands active seed companies operating in India
Nov 27, 2018:
Parliamentary Questions by Member Voordewind (ChristianUnion) :
to the Minister for Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation on child labour and non-payment of minimum wages by Dutch and in the Netherlands active seed companies operating in India
to the Minister for Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation on child labour and non-payment of minimum wages by Dutch and in the Netherlands active seed companies operating in India
Nov 27, 2017:
Answer to written question MEP Anne-Marie Mineur (GUE/NGL)
(subm. Aug 30, 2017) to the European Commission about the research report by the India Committee of the Netherlands and Stop Child Labour on conditions in Indian granite quarries
(subm. Aug 30, 2017) to the European Commission about the research report by the India Committee of the Netherlands and Stop Child Labour on conditions in Indian granite quarries
Mar 10, 2017:
Dutch Parliament backs child labour due diligence law (Just-Style.com):
The Dutch Parliament has adopted a law requiring companies to determine whether child labour occurs in their supply chains – and set out a plan of action on how to combat it.
The Child Labour Due Diligence Law ('Wet Zorgplicht Kinderarbeid') now heads to the Senate after last month's vote, and if approved will come into force from 1 January 2020.
The Dutch Parliament has adopted a law requiring companies to determine whether child labour occurs in their supply chains – and set out a plan of action on how to combat it.
The Child Labour Due Diligence Law ('Wet Zorgplicht Kinderarbeid') now heads to the Senate after last month's vote, and if approved will come into force from 1 January 2020.
Feb 16, 2017:
Answers to Parliamentary Questions by members Voordewind (ChristianUnion) and Van Laar (Labour Party)
(subm. Jan 31, 2017) to the Minister of Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation on clothing brands that contribute to low wages, long working hours, child labour and school dropout in Bangladesh
(subm. Jan 31, 2017) to the Minister of Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation on clothing brands that contribute to low wages, long working hours, child labour and school dropout in Bangladesh
Feb 8, 2017:
Child Labour Due Diligence Law for companies adopted by Dutch Parliament (ICN)
On February 7, 2017 the Child Labour Due Diligence Law [‘Wet Zorgplicht Kinderarbeid’], initiated by member Van Laar (Labour Party), was adopted by the Dutch Parliament, with 82 votes (of 150 MPs) in favour. The parties CDA (Christian Democrats), VVD (People’s Party for Freedom and Democracy) and PVV (Party for Freedom) voted against. The law requires companies to examine whether child labour occurs in their production chain. If that is the case they should develop a plan of action to combat child labour and draw up a declaration about their investigation and plan of action. That statement will be recorded in a public register by a yet to be designated public authority.
On February 7, 2017 the Child Labour Due Diligence Law [‘Wet Zorgplicht Kinderarbeid’], initiated by member Van Laar (Labour Party), was adopted by the Dutch Parliament, with 82 votes (of 150 MPs) in favour. The parties CDA (Christian Democrats), VVD (People’s Party for Freedom and Democracy) and PVV (Party for Freedom) voted against. The law requires companies to examine whether child labour occurs in their production chain. If that is the case they should develop a plan of action to combat child labour and draw up a declaration about their investigation and plan of action. That statement will be recorded in a public register by a yet to be designated public authority.
Jan 31, 2017:
Parliamentary Questions by members Voordewind (ChristianUnion) and Van Laar (Labour Party) :
to the Minister of Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation on clothing brands that contribute to low wages, long working hours, child labour and school dropout in Bangladesh
to the Minister of Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation on clothing brands that contribute to low wages, long working hours, child labour and school dropout in Bangladesh
Jan 25, 2017:
Motion members Servaes (Labour Party) and Voordewind (ChristianUnion)
requesting the government to prepare 'legislation aimed at combating forced labour and modern slavery'
requesting the government to prepare 'legislation aimed at combating forced labour and modern slavery'
Jan 25, 2017:
Motion members Voordewind (ChristianUnion) en Servaes (Labour Party)
on the relationship of low wages, child labour and school dropouts in the garment industry of Bangladesh, in response to the report Branded Childhood
on the relationship of low wages, child labour and school dropouts in the garment industry of Bangladesh, in response to the report Branded Childhood
Jan 16, 2017:
Answers to Parliamentary Questions by Members Van Laar (Labour Party), Voordewind (ChristianUnion) and Dijkgraaf (Reformed Political Party) :
(subm. Dec 28, 2016) to the Minister for Foreign Trade and Development Co-operation on (child) slavery in South Indian spinning mills producing yarn for Western clothing brands
(subm. Dec 28, 2016) to the Minister for Foreign Trade and Development Co-operation on (child) slavery in South Indian spinning mills producing yarn for Western clothing brands
2016
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Dec 28, 2016:
Parliamentary Questions by Members Van Laar (Labour Party), Voordewind (ChristianUnion) and Dijkgraaf (Reformed Political Party) :
to the Minister for Foreign Trade and Development Co-operation on (child) slavery in South Indian spinning mills producing yarn for Western clothing brands
to the Minister for Foreign Trade and Development Co-operation on (child) slavery in South Indian spinning mills producing yarn for Western clothing brands
Jul 7, 2016:
Answers to Parliamentary Questions by Members Voordewind (ChristianUnion) and Van Laar (Labour Party) :
(subm. Jun 14, 2016) to the Minister for Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation on the objective of the International Labour Organisation (ILO) to eradicate the worst forms of child labour by 2016 at the latest
(subm. Jun 14, 2016) to the Minister for Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation on the objective of the International Labour Organisation (ILO) to eradicate the worst forms of child labour by 2016 at the latest
Jun 27, 2016:
Stop Child Labour welcomes promised EU action against child labour (Stop Child Labour):
The Council of the European Union – all 28 member states together – on the 20th of June published its conclusions on child labour and called for a joint approach to tackle all forms of child labour.
The Council of the European Union – all 28 member states together – on the 20th of June published its conclusions on child labour and called for a joint approach to tackle all forms of child labour.
May 10, 2016:
Answers to Questions European Parliament :
(subm. Feb 18, 2016) to the European Commission on child and exploitative labour in gold and cobalt mining
(subm. Feb 18, 2016) to the European Commission on child and exploitative labour in gold and cobalt mining
2015
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Dec 3, 2015:
Answers to Parliamentary Questions by Members Voordewind (ChristianUnion) and Van Laar (Labour Party) :
(subm. Nov 23, 2015) to the Minister for Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation and the Minister of Foreign Affairs on child labour in gold mining for the electronics sector
(subm. Nov 23, 2015) to the Minister for Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation and the Minister of Foreign Affairs on child labour in gold mining for the electronics sector
Nov 26, 2015:
Parliamentary Questions by Members Van Laar (Labour Party) and Voordewind (ChristianUnion) :
to the Minister for Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation on child labour and low wages in Dutch and in the Netherlands operating seed companies active in India
to the Minister for Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation on child labour and low wages in Dutch and in the Netherlands operating seed companies active in India
Nov 23, 2015:
Parliamentary Questions by Members Voordewind (ChristianUnion) and Van Laar (Labour Party) :
to the Minister for Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation and the Minister of Foreign Affairs on child labour in gold mining for the electronics sector
to the Minister for Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation and the Minister of Foreign Affairs on child labour in gold mining for the electronics sector
Sep 11, 2015:
Answers to Dutch Parliamentary Questions by member Van Laar (Labour Party) :
(subm. Jul 29, 2015) to the Minister for Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation about half a million children working in the cotton seed production
(subm. Jul 29, 2015) to the Minister for Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation about half a million children working in the cotton seed production
Jun 11, 2015:
Say Goodbye to Child Labour: Manual Stepping Stones for Child Labour Free Zones presented to Dutch Minister of Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation (Stop Child Labour):
Ahead of the International Day against Child Labour on 12 June, Dutch Minister for Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation, Lilianne Ploumen, has today been presented the manual 5 x 5 Stepping Stones for creating Child Labour Free Zones authored by the Stop Child Labour coalition.
Ahead of the International Day against Child Labour on 12 June, Dutch Minister for Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation, Lilianne Ploumen, has today been presented the manual 5 x 5 Stepping Stones for creating Child Labour Free Zones authored by the Stop Child Labour coalition.
Jun 4, 2015:
Answers to Dutch Parliamentary Questions by members Voordewind (ChristianUnion) and Van Laar (Labour Party) :
(subm. May 19, 2015) to the Minister for Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and the Minister for Housing and the Civil Services on slavery and child labour in quarries
(subm. May 19, 2015) to the Minister for Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and the Minister for Housing and the Civil Services on slavery and child labour in quarries
May 19, 2015:
Parliamentary Questions by members Voordewind (ChristianUnion) and Van Laar (Labour Party) :
to the Minister for Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and the Minister for Housing and the Civil Services on slavery and child labour in quarries
to the Minister for Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and the Minister for Housing and the Civil Services on slavery and child labour in quarries
May 4, 2015:
Answers to Dutch Parliamentary Questions by members Voordewind (ChristianUnion), Van der Staaij (Political Reformed Party) and Van Laar (Labour Party) :
(subm. Apr 20, 2015) to the Minister of Foreign Trade and Development Co-operation on modern slavery and child labour in the garment industry in India
(subm. Apr 20, 2015) to the Minister of Foreign Trade and Development Co-operation on modern slavery and child labour in the garment industry in India
Jan 5, 2015:
2014
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Nov 14, 2014:
Answers to Dutch Parliamentary Questions by member Voordewind (ChristianUnion) :
(subm. Oct 31, 2014) to the Minister of Foreign Trade and Development and the Minister of Foreign Affairs about the report Flawed Fabrics on modern slavery and child labour in the production chain of clothing brands
(subm. Oct 31, 2014) to the Minister of Foreign Trade and Development and the Minister of Foreign Affairs about the report Flawed Fabrics on modern slavery and child labour in the production chain of clothing brands
Oct 31, 2014:
Dutch Parliamentary Questions by member Voordewind (ChristianUnion) :
to the Minister of Foreign Trade and Development and the Minister of Foreign Affairs about the report Flawed Fabrics on modern slavery and child labour in the production chain of clothing brands
to the Minister of Foreign Trade and Development and the Minister of Foreign Affairs about the report Flawed Fabrics on modern slavery and child labour in the production chain of clothing brands
Jul 8, 2014:
Answers to Dutch Parliamentary Questions by members Voordewind (ChristianUnion), Gesthuizen (Socialist Party) and Van Laar (Labour Party) :
(subm. Jun 16, 2014) to the Minister for Foreign Trade and Development on a new study on large-scale child labour and other violations of labour rights in the Turkish hazelnut production
(subm. Jun 16, 2014) to the Minister for Foreign Trade and Development on a new study on large-scale child labour and other violations of labour rights in the Turkish hazelnut production
Jun 24, 2014:
Answers to Parliamentary Questions by members Voordewind (ChristianUnion), Gesthuizen (Socialist Party), Van der Staaij (Reformed Political Party) and Van Ojik (GreenLeft) :
(subm. May 28, 2014) on garment companies who give no insight in how they deal with bonded (child) labour in India
(subm. May 28, 2014) on garment companies who give no insight in how they deal with bonded (child) labour in India
Jun 16, 2014:
Dutch Parliamentary Questions by members Voordewind (ChristianUnion), Gesthuizen (Socialist Party) and Van Laar (Labour Party) :
to the Minister for Foreign Trade and Development on a new study on large-scale child labour and other violations of labour rights in the Turkish hazelnut production
to the Minister for Foreign Trade and Development on a new study on large-scale child labour and other violations of labour rights in the Turkish hazelnut production
May 28, 2014:
Dutch Parliamentary Questions by members Voordewind (ChristianUnion), Gesthuizen (Socialist Party), Van der Staaij (Reformed Political Party) and Van Ojik (GreenLeft) :
to the Minister of Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation on garment companies who provide no insight into their approach
to the Minister of Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation on garment companies who provide no insight into their approach
May 14, 2014:
Answers to Parliamentary Questions by the members Gesthuizen (Socialist Party), Van Laar (Labour Party), Thieme (Party for the Animals) and Voordewind (ChristianUnion) :
(subm. Feb 13, 2014) to the Minister for Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation about abuses in the production of hand-knotted carpets in India
(subm. Feb 13, 2014) to the Minister for Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation about abuses in the production of hand-knotted carpets in India
Apr 7, 2014:
Answers to Written Questions European Parliament to the European Commission :
(subm. Feb 19, 2014 by MEPs Peter van Dalen and Dennis de Jong) about the report Tainted Carpets - Slavery and Child Labor in India's Hand-Made Carpet Sector
(subm. Feb 19, 2014 by MEPs Peter van Dalen and Dennis de Jong) about the report Tainted Carpets - Slavery and Child Labor in India's Hand-Made Carpet Sector
Mar 3, 2014:
Answers to Parliamentary questions Voordewind (ChristianUnion) :
(subm. Dec 23, 2013) to the Minister for Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation on the report Working on the Right Shoes
(subm. Dec 23, 2013) to the Minister for Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation on the report Working on the Right Shoes
Feb 19, 2014:
Written Questions by MEPs Peter van Dalen and Dennis de Jong to the European Commission :
about the report Tainted Carpets - Slavery and Child Labor in India's Hand-Made Carpet Sector
about the report Tainted Carpets - Slavery and Child Labor in India's Hand-Made Carpet Sector
Feb 13, 2014:
Dutch Parliamentary Questions by members Gesthuizen (Socialist Party), Van Laar (Labour Party), Thieme (Party for the Animals) and Voordewind (ChristianUnion) :
to the Minister for Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation on major abuses in carpet industry India
to the Minister for Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation on major abuses in carpet industry India
2013
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Aug 8, 2013:
Dutch Minister Ploumen: Eradicate child labour and low wages in Indian seed sector 'as soon as possible' (Stop Child Labour):
The Dutch government wants child labour and low wages in the seed production in India "to be eliminated as soon as possible". That is what Dutch Minister Ploumen of Trade and Development Co-operation answered in response to parliamentary questions from Members of Parliament ChristianUnion, Party for the Animals, Socialist Party and 50Plus. She made an agreement on that with the Dutch seed companies Bejo Seeds and Nunhems, as well as with trade association Plantum. The India Committee of the Netherlands and the Stop Child Labour campaign welcome this agreement. Minister Ploumen will visit India beginning of September. CSR will be an important part of her mission.
The Dutch government wants child labour and low wages in the seed production in India "to be eliminated as soon as possible". That is what Dutch Minister Ploumen of Trade and Development Co-operation answered in response to parliamentary questions from Members of Parliament ChristianUnion, Party for the Animals, Socialist Party and 50Plus. She made an agreement on that with the Dutch seed companies Bejo Seeds and Nunhems, as well as with trade association Plantum. The India Committee of the Netherlands and the Stop Child Labour campaign welcome this agreement. Minister Ploumen will visit India beginning of September. CSR will be an important part of her mission.
Aug 8, 2013:
Answers to Parliamentary Questions by the members Voordewind (ChristianUnion), Thieme
(Party for the Animals), Krol (50Plus) and Gesthuizen (Socialist Party) :
(subm. Jul 15, 2013) to the Minister for Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation on child labour and low wages in Dutch seed companies in India
(subm. Jul 15, 2013) to the Minister for Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation on child labour and low wages in Dutch seed companies in India
Jul 15, 2013:
Parliamentary Questions by the members Voordewind (ChristianUnion), Thieme (Party for the Animals), Krol (50Plus) and Gesthuizen (Socialist Party) :
to the Minister for Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation on child labour and low wages in Dutch seed companies in India
to the Minister for Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation on child labour and low wages in Dutch seed companies in India
Mar 14, 2013:
Answers to Written Questions MEPs Oomen-Ruijten (PPE), Berman (S&D), Keller (Verts/ALE), Rinaldi (ALDE) and De Lange (PPE)
(subm. Jan 21, 2013) on child labour and shoe production - follow-up
(subm. Jan 21, 2013) on child labour and shoe production - follow-up
Jan 21, 2013:
Written Questions MEPs Oomen-Ruijten (PPE), Berman (S&D), Keller (Verts/ALE), Rinaldi (ALDE) and De Lange (PPE)
on child labour and shoe production - follow-up
on child labour and shoe production - follow-up
2012
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Oct 9, 2012:
Questions by MEP Peter van Dalen (Christian Union)
to the President of the European Council on bonded (child) labour of Dalit girls in garment production in EU-based companies (follow-up to questions Jun 14, 2012)
to the President of the European Council on bonded (child) labour of Dalit girls in garment production in EU-based companies (follow-up to questions Jun 14, 2012)
Sep 12, 2012:
Answer to Questions by MEPs Ria Oomen-Ruijten (PPE), Thijs Berman (S&D), Franziska Keller (Verts/ALE), Niccolò Rinaldi (ALDE) and Esther de Lange (PPE)
(subm. Jul 25, 2012) to the European Commission on child labour and shoe production
(subm. Jul 25, 2012) to the European Commission on child labour and shoe production
Aug 8, 2012:
Answer to Questions by MEPs Peter van Dalen (ECR), Thijs Berman (S&D) and Sir Graham Watson (ALDE)
(subm. Jun 12, 2012) to the European Commission on bonded (child) labour of Dalit girls in garment production of EU-based companies
(subm. Jun 12, 2012) to the European Commission on bonded (child) labour of Dalit girls in garment production of EU-based companies
May 10, 2012:
Answer to Questions by MEP Thijs Berman (S&D)
(subm. Feb 21, 2012) to the European Commission on bricks industry in Afghanistan
(subm. Feb 21, 2012) to the European Commission on bricks industry in Afghanistan
Apr 25, 2012:
Motion Dutch Parliament
on full supply-chain transparency and the eradication of child labour in the textile chain
on full supply-chain transparency and the eradication of child labour in the textile chain
Mar 13, 2012:
Answers to Questions of Member Voordewind (ChristianUnion) :
(subm. Jan 16, 2012) to the Minister of Foreign Affairs and the Deputy Minister of Economic Affairs, Agriculture and Innovation about child labour and the position of Dalits in India.
(subm. Jan 16, 2012) to the Minister of Foreign Affairs and the Deputy Minister of Economic Affairs, Agriculture and Innovation about child labour and the position of Dalits in India.
Feb 1, 2012:
Answer to Questions by MEPs Thijs Berman and Emine Bozkurt (S&D)
(subm. Nov 11, 2011) to the European Commission on child labour in Turkey
(subm. Nov 11, 2011) to the European Commission on child labour in Turkey
2011
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Nov 23, 2011:
Answers to Parliamentary questions by member Voordewind (ChristianUnion)
(subm. Oct 31, 2011) on child labour and the position of Dalits in India
(subm. Oct 31, 2011) on child labour and the position of Dalits in India
Oct 31, 2011:
Parliamentary questions by member Voordewind (ChristianUnion)
on child labour and the position of Dalits in India
on child labour and the position of Dalits in India
Sep 20, 2011:
Caste-based slavery in the mining sector highlighted in UN debate (IDSN):
The UN Special Rapporteur on contemporary forms of slavery noted with concern that children from marginalised groups, including tribal and lower caste communities, are “doubly vulnerable to abuses” in the mining sector.
The UN Special Rapporteur on contemporary forms of slavery noted with concern that children from marginalised groups, including tribal and lower caste communities, are “doubly vulnerable to abuses” in the mining sector.
Jun 24, 2011:
Exploitation in Indian clothing industry: Politicians and the business community see the need to tackle the clothing industry (SOMO):
The report 'Captured by Cotton' by SOMO and the India Committee of the Netherlands (ICN) was recently published, looking at South Indian girls and young women who are making our clothing in wretched conditions. This evoked responses from businesses and politicians, and was given a great deal of media coverage. For example, Ferrier (Member of Parliament, CDA) asked Minister Bleker what he was going to do about it. Bleker promised to address the issue during his trade mission to India, and to initiate discussions with C&A. The Fair Wear Foundation and the Dutch textile sector expressed their intention to tackle, and continue to tackle, this situation. Furthermore, various companies have acknowledged the issue and are working together with interested parties on an improvement plan. SOMO and LIW will be following up on concrete developments in this area.
The report 'Captured by Cotton' by SOMO and the India Committee of the Netherlands (ICN) was recently published, looking at South Indian girls and young women who are making our clothing in wretched conditions. This evoked responses from businesses and politicians, and was given a great deal of media coverage. For example, Ferrier (Member of Parliament, CDA) asked Minister Bleker what he was going to do about it. Bleker promised to address the issue during his trade mission to India, and to initiate discussions with C&A. The Fair Wear Foundation and the Dutch textile sector expressed their intention to tackle, and continue to tackle, this situation. Furthermore, various companies have acknowledged the issue and are working together with interested parties on an improvement plan. SOMO and LIW will be following up on concrete developments in this area.
2010
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Dec 3, 2010:
Answer to Questions by MEP Emine Bozkurt (S&D)
(subm. Nov 3, 2010) to the European Commission on child labour in Turkey
(subm. Nov 3, 2010) to the European Commission on child labour in Turkey
Nov 18, 2010:
Letter European Commissioner Stefan Füle to Member of European Parliament Emine Bozkurt (S&D)
on child labour in Turkey
on child labour in Turkey
Sep 2, 2010:
Answer to Questions by MEP Peter van Dalen (ChristianUnion)
(subm. Jul 2, 2010) to the European Commission on child labour in India
(subm. Jul 2, 2010) to the European Commission on child labour in India
Aug 31, 2010:
Answer to Questions by MEP Peter van Dalen (ChristianUnion)
(subm. Jul 8, 2010) to the European Commission on speech EU-commissioner Ashton in India
(subm. Jul 8, 2010) to the European Commission on speech EU-commissioner Ashton in India
Jun 30, 2010:
Open letter ICN et al. to the ILO (ICN/MV Foundation/Dakshini Rajasthan Majdoor/ILRF/Stop Child Labour)
on child and exploited adult labour in the Indian seed industry
on child and exploited adult labour in the Indian seed industry
Jun 21, 2010:
Parliamentary Questions by members Gesthuizen (Socialist Party) and Voordewind (ChristianUnion)
to the Minister of Economic Affairs and the Minister of Foreign Affairs on the involvement of Advanta and Bejo Zaden in child labour in India
to the Minister of Economic Affairs and the Minister of Foreign Affairs on the involvement of Advanta and Bejo Zaden in child labour in India
Apr 7, 2010:
Seven reasons why the world should: Eradicate all child labour, get every child into school (Stop Child Labour):
background note to the petition for the Global Child Labour Conference 10-11 May 2010
background note to the petition for the Global Child Labour Conference 10-11 May 2010
2009
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Dec 9, 2009:
Roundtable on The Elimination of Child Labour: Creating Child Labour Free Sectors (Stop Child Labour):
On the 3rd of December the Stop Child Labour Campaign, with the support of International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC), organised a Roundtable meeting on The Elimination of Child labour - Creating Child Labour Free Sectors hosted by Mr. Harlem Désir MEP.
On the 3rd of December the Stop Child Labour Campaign, with the support of International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC), organised a Roundtable meeting on The Elimination of Child labour - Creating Child Labour Free Sectors hosted by Mr. Harlem Désir MEP.
What role can the European Parliament play? - Lunchtime meeting on The Elimination of Child Labour (Stop Child Labour):
On the 29th of September The Stop Child Labour Campaign organised a lunchtime meeting on The Elimination of Child labour. What role can the European Parliament play? hosted by Ms. Jean Lambert MEP.
The aim of the meeting was to present the issue of Child Labour to the members of the new European Parliament not only in the context of health, education and the fight against poverty, but also in relation to industrial activities, trade and corporate social responsibility.
On the 29th of September The Stop Child Labour Campaign organised a lunchtime meeting on The Elimination of Child labour. What role can the European Parliament play? hosted by Ms. Jean Lambert MEP.
The aim of the meeting was to present the issue of Child Labour to the members of the new European Parliament not only in the context of health, education and the fight against poverty, but also in relation to industrial activities, trade and corporate social responsibility.
2008
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Thika Declaration on Child Labour (Stop Child Labour Africa Tour: Kenya NGO/CSO Workshop):
During the Stop Child Labour Africa Tour 2008 Kenya NGO/CSO workshop on 4 November 2008, the delegates form Ethiopia, Morocco, Uganda and Zimbabwe endorsed the Thika Declaration which has been adopted and proclaimed by East African Conference on Child Labour of 16 and 17 January 2007. By consensus of representatives on 4 November 2008, Article 10 was amended to the Thika Declaration.
During the Stop Child Labour Africa Tour 2008 Kenya NGO/CSO workshop on 4 November 2008, the delegates form Ethiopia, Morocco, Uganda and Zimbabwe endorsed the Thika Declaration which has been adopted and proclaimed by East African Conference on Child Labour of 16 and 17 January 2007. By consensus of representatives on 4 November 2008, Article 10 was amended to the Thika Declaration.
Sep 2, 2008:
Answer to Questions by MEPs Thijs Berman and Richard Howitt
(subm. May 29, 2008) to the European Commission on child labour
(subm. May 29, 2008) to the European Commission on child labour
2007
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Motions by Member of Parliament Voordewind cs.
concerning education and child labour in India
concerning education and child labour in India
Oct 2, 2007:
Parliamentary Questions by members Ortega-Martijn and Voordewind (both Christian Union), Van Baalen (Liberals), Van Dijk (Christian Democrats), Gillard (Labour Party), Irrgang (Socialist Party), Pechtold (Democrats), Peters (Green Left), Van der Staaij (Protestant Party), Thieme (Party for the Animals), Verdonk (Member Verdonk) and Wilders (Freedom Party)
to the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Minister of Trade (Ministry of Economical Affairs) concerning child labour in India
to the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Minister of Trade (Ministry of Economical Affairs) concerning child labour in India
2006
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Oct 24, 2006:
Answers to Parliamentary questions MEP Margrete Auken (Verts/ALE)
on Dalits and child labour as points of interest for the EU-India Summit
on Dalits and child labour as points of interest for the EU-India Summit
Sep 29, 2006:
Parliamentary questions MEP Margrete Auken (Verts/ALE)
on Dalits and child labour as points of interest for the EU-India Summit
on Dalits and child labour as points of interest for the EU-India Summit
Sep 29, 2006:
Letter Stop Child Labour to Finnish Prime Minister Matti Vanhanen (Stop Child Labour)
concerning the India-EU Top in Helsinki
concerning the India-EU Top in Helsinki
Sep 5, 2006:
Answers to Parliamentary questions MEP Jules Maaten (ALDE)
on child labour
on child labour
Jun 2006:
Declaration of the Regional Conference "Alto al Trabajo Infantil, Sí a la Educación" ("Stop Child Labour, Yes to Education") (Stop Child Labour/...)
(Tegucigalpa, Honduras, 21, 22 and 23 June 2006)
(Tegucigalpa, Honduras, 21, 22 and 23 June 2006)
Joint Statement on child labour by ICFTU, WCL, Global March and SCL (Stop Child Labour/...):
Trade union organisations and representatives from the Global March Against Child Labour and the Stop Child Labour Campaign took part in workshop sessions hosted by the ICFTU and the WCL on 16 May 2006 in Brussels.
Trade union organisations and representatives from the Global March Against Child Labour and the Stop Child Labour Campaign took part in workshop sessions hosted by the ICFTU and the WCL on 16 May 2006 in Brussels.
Statement by the Indian anti-child labour activist Shantha Sinha
on the presentation of the ILO report The end of child labour: Within reach (May 2006)
on the presentation of the ILO report The end of child labour: Within reach (May 2006)
Jan 31, 2006:
Answers to Parliamentary questions MEP Van den Berg (PvdA)
on multinationals and child slavery
on multinationals and child slavery
2005
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European Commission cottons on child labour (The Times of India):
Working 13 hours a day under the blazing sun for a measly Rs 25-30 a day is no child's play.
Working 13 hours a day under the blazing sun for a measly Rs 25-30 a day is no child's play.
Nov 28, 2005:
Parliamentary questions MEP Van den Berg (PvdA)
on multinationals and child slavery
on multinationals and child slavery
Nov 25, 2005:
Answers to Questions of Members Tjon-A-Ten and Douma (Labour Party) :
(subm. Nov 3, 2005) to the Minister of Economic Affairs and the Minister of Foreign Affairs about the violation of the rights of adults and children by multinationals
(subm. Nov 3, 2005) to the Minister of Economic Affairs and the Minister of Foreign Affairs about the violation of the rights of adults and children by multinationals
Nov 7, 2005:
Response of European Commission
to the European parliament resolution on the exploitation of children in developing countries, with a special focus on child labour (July 5, 2005)
to the European parliament resolution on the exploitation of children in developing countries, with a special focus on child labour (July 5, 2005)
Mar 17, 2005:
2004
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Oct 26, 2004:
India has the most child workers in the world (ICFTU):
Just a few days before the start of an international conference in India on child labour, the ICFTU is publishing a new eight-page report (India: economic boom masks widespread child labour) on abuse of children in that country. Its message is clear: despite its record economic performance, India is still plagued by immense social hardship, with 400 million people living below the poverty line.
Just a few days before the start of an international conference in India on child labour, the ICFTU is publishing a new eight-page report (India: economic boom masks widespread child labour) on abuse of children in that country. Its message is clear: despite its record economic performance, India is still plagued by immense social hardship, with 400 million people living below the poverty line.
Oct 2004:
Basic Education, Child Labour and the European Union - Challenging the Conventional Wisdom (Stop Child Labour):
In the firm belief that every child has the right to full-time quality education, the campaign "Stop Child Labour - School is the best place to work" argues for the coordination and integration of European Union policies in the areas of education and child labour in developing countries. The European Union recognises that education is a key aspect of poverty eradication and the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). As an intrinsic part of a policy to achieve education for all, it is imperative that more attention be given to the significance of helping working children enter full-time formal education, and hence to abolish child labour.
In the firm belief that every child has the right to full-time quality education, the campaign "Stop Child Labour - School is the best place to work" argues for the coordination and integration of European Union policies in the areas of education and child labour in developing countries. The European Union recognises that education is a key aspect of poverty eradication and the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). As an intrinsic part of a policy to achieve education for all, it is imperative that more attention be given to the significance of helping working children enter full-time formal education, and hence to abolish child labour.
Jun 15, 2004:
Brutal attack on Kailash Satyarthi during rescue of children in Great Roman Circus - Challenging the Conventional Wisdom :
Eminent Child Labour activist and Chairperson of Global March Against Child Labour, Global Campaign for Education and SACCS/Bachpan Bachao Aandolan Kailash Satyarthi was attacked brutally while leading a group of activist and parents to rescue some children from circus in Colonelganj Tehsil of Gonda District in Uttar Pradesh, North India today.
Eminent Child Labour activist and Chairperson of Global March Against Child Labour, Global Campaign for Education and SACCS/Bachpan Bachao Aandolan Kailash Satyarthi was attacked brutally while leading a group of activist and parents to rescue some children from circus in Colonelganj Tehsil of Gonda District in Uttar Pradesh, North India today.
Mar 18, 2004:
Childrens' rights expert lambasts lack of EU policy on child labour (European Voice):
The EU has "no clear policy" on eradicating child labour in poor countries, according to one of the most prominent children's rights advocates in India.
Shanta Sinha, secretary of the M. Venkatarangaiya Foundation, is visiting Brussels this week to highlight the Stop Child Labour Campaign, founded by anti-poverty activists from the Netherlands, Germany and Ireland. The charities complain that the European Commission has no unit dealing specifically with children's rights and that EU institutions treat child labour and education as separate issues.
The EU has "no clear policy" on eradicating child labour in poor countries, according to one of the most prominent children's rights advocates in India.
Shanta Sinha, secretary of the M. Venkatarangaiya Foundation, is visiting Brussels this week to highlight the Stop Child Labour Campaign, founded by anti-poverty activists from the Netherlands, Germany and Ireland. The charities complain that the European Commission has no unit dealing specifically with children's rights and that EU institutions treat child labour and education as separate issues.
2003
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Nov 21, 2003:
Answer to Question by Proinsias De Rossa (PSE)
to the European Commission about ILO's International Programme on the Elimination of Child Labour
to the European Commission about ILO's International Programme on the Elimination of Child Labour
Jul 1, 2003:
2002
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Feb 25, 2002:
Speech Minister Herfkens at Conference on Child Labour, The Hague, February 25, 2002: Pro-poor growth is best remedy for child labour :
"Stimulating pro-poor economic growth is by far the best remedy for child labour. And poverty is no excuse for a lack of political will to do so", Dutch minister for Development Cooperation, Eveline Herfkens, said in a speech on child labour in The Hague, Monday February 25. The minister took a firm stand against trade sanctions as a tool for outlawing child labour: "There are no guarantees that sanctions will reduce the incidence of child labour. Indeed, they can hamper the sustainable economic growth countries need in order to reduce child labour."
"Stimulating pro-poor economic growth is by far the best remedy for child labour. And poverty is no excuse for a lack of political will to do so", Dutch minister for Development Cooperation, Eveline Herfkens, said in a speech on child labour in The Hague, Monday February 25. The minister took a firm stand against trade sanctions as a tool for outlawing child labour: "There are no guarantees that sanctions will reduce the incidence of child labour. Indeed, they can hamper the sustainable economic growth countries need in order to reduce child labour."
Feb 2002:
Combating Child Labour (The Hague, February 25-27, 2002) - Conclusions :
The international Conference on Combating Child Labour, meeting in The Hague, from 25-27 February 2002, reiterated concern about the exploitation of children by way of child labour. The meeting explored effective ways to investigate, identify and combat hazardous forms of child labour. It focussed on the potential of building alliances to address this problem.
The international Conference on Combating Child Labour, meeting in The Hague, from 25-27 February 2002, reiterated concern about the exploitation of children by way of child labour. The meeting explored effective ways to investigate, identify and combat hazardous forms of child labour. It focussed on the potential of building alliances to address this problem.
Feb(?) 2002:
Abolition of Child Labour through Compulsory Education (MV Foundation):
In most developed nations education has over the years gained acceptance as an intrinsic value and as an end in itself that needs no further justification. In a sense therefore the question 'why education' has become redundant. Further in almost all developed countries there is a consensus on the issue of total abolition of child labour and recognition of the need for every child to receive formal school education as a matter of compulsion. There is, however, no unanimity on this issue especially in developing societies. A child being out of schools and in work and not accessing education is often seen as inevitability, a completely normal occurrence and on occasions even desirable.
In most developed nations education has over the years gained acceptance as an intrinsic value and as an end in itself that needs no further justification. In a sense therefore the question 'why education' has become redundant. Further in almost all developed countries there is a consensus on the issue of total abolition of child labour and recognition of the need for every child to receive formal school education as a matter of compulsion. There is, however, no unanimity on this issue especially in developing societies. A child being out of schools and in work and not accessing education is often seen as inevitability, a completely normal occurrence and on occasions even desirable.
2001
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2000
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1999
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1998
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1997
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Feb 1997:
Speech (Gerard Oonk, ICN)
on the occasion of the handing over of 60,000 signatures and the position paper Sign Against Child Labour to (former) Minister Melkert of Social Affairs and Employment at the Amsterdam Child Labour Conference in February 1997.
on the occasion of the handing over of 60,000 signatures and the position paper Sign Against Child Labour to (former) Minister Melkert of Social Affairs and Employment at the Amsterdam Child Labour Conference in February 1997.
Feb 1997:
Position PaperSign Against Child Labour (ICN/...):
From September 1996 until February 1997 a coalition of Dutch trade unions and NGO's - Bilance, Children at Risk/ Churches in Action, Fair Trade Organization, Federation of Netherlands Trade Unions (FNV), General Teachers' Union (AOB), Hivos, India Committee of the Netherlands, National Association of Third World Shops, Novib and Unicef Netherlands - has campaigned against child labour by organizing the petition 'Sign Against Child Labour'. The petition appeals to the Dutch government and the European Union to:
• support primary education in developing countries and link primary education programmes with programmes aimed at reintegrating working children in the regular school system;
• support consumer labels that guarantee that products have been manufactured without child labour and abolish import tariffs for these products, beginning with Rugmark carpets and 'fair trade products';
• make every conceivable effort to immediately abolish extreme forms of child labour such as child slavery, child prostitution and hazardous and dangerous child labour.
This position paper further develops our common position.
From September 1996 until February 1997 a coalition of Dutch trade unions and NGO's - Bilance, Children at Risk/ Churches in Action, Fair Trade Organization, Federation of Netherlands Trade Unions (FNV), General Teachers' Union (AOB), Hivos, India Committee of the Netherlands, National Association of Third World Shops, Novib and Unicef Netherlands - has campaigned against child labour by organizing the petition 'Sign Against Child Labour'. The petition appeals to the Dutch government and the European Union to:
• support primary education in developing countries and link primary education programmes with programmes aimed at reintegrating working children in the regular school system;
• support consumer labels that guarantee that products have been manufactured without child labour and abolish import tariffs for these products, beginning with Rugmark carpets and 'fair trade products';
• make every conceivable effort to immediately abolish extreme forms of child labour such as child slavery, child prostitution and hazardous and dangerous child labour.
This position paper further develops our common position.
Feb 1997:
Speech (Gerard Oonk, ICN)
on the occasion of the presentation of 60.000 signatures for the campaign 'Sign Against Child Labour' to Minister Melkert of Social Affairs and Employment at the Amsterdam Child Labour Conference in February 1997.
on the occasion of the presentation of 60.000 signatures for the campaign 'Sign Against Child Labour' to Minister Melkert of Social Affairs and Employment at the Amsterdam Child Labour Conference in February 1997.
