Programme on prevention and reduction of child labour launched

A launch workshop on the implementation of a programme for the prevention and reduction of child labour within the 2021-2025 period, with plans towards 2030, was held in Hanoi on December 1.

At the workshop (Photo: VNA)
At the workshop (Photo: VNA)

The event was held by the Ministry of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs (MoLISA) in coordination with other relevant ministries and sectors, including the International Labour Organization (ILO) and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) in Vietnam.

Delegates at the workshop agreed that the COVID-19 pandemic has caused an economic decline. Underemployment and job loss for households, food insecurities and barriers against access to education, all lead to an increased risk of child labour.

The National Programme on prevention and reduction of illegal child labour in the 2021-2025 period with a focus towards 2030, has recently been approved by the Prime Minister. The programme is chaired by the MoLISA with technical support from the ILO and UNICEF.

Speaking at the workshop, Deputy Minister of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs Nguyen Thi Ha suggested that ministries, branches, mass organisations, localities and organisations, actively develop appropriate plans and solutions in order to do better work on the prevention and reduction of child labour.

UNICEF Deputy Representative in Vietnam Lesley Miller emphasised that child labour can be prevented through integrated approaches that address poverty, deprivation and inequality, while improving resilience and access to social protection services, quality education and mobilising community support for respecting children's rights.