ILO and Canada join hands to strengthen freedom of association and end child labour in Philippines

Last updated on August 9th, 2024 at 10:24 am

The International Labour Organisation (ILO) and the Government of Canada have announced a joint project – Strengthening freedom of association and action against child labour in the Philippines – to improve labour rights scenario in the country.

The five-year project promotes the enforcement of international labour standards. It is set to focus on bolstering freedom of association and the right to organise. It is also expected to look at gender-related issues or gaps in freedom of association and labour rights.

COVID reversing progress in reducing child labour in Philippines

Freedom of association including the rights of labourers and employers to effectively organise and bargain is an integral part of an open society. The abolition of child labour is also a fundamental right. Exploring these arenas is important to ensure social justice for all.

Prior to the pandemic, there had been a decline in the number of children considered to be in child labour (engaged in hazardous tasks and/or operating for long hours). But the trend reversed as the number of child labour cases increased from 2020-2022.

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Currently, equivalent to 828,000 children in the Philippines are believed to be a victim of child labour. The project by the ILO and Canada is aimed at helping people recover from the impact of the pandemic, that hurt the progress in reducing child labour.

Philippines asked to end violence, harassment, intimidation

Child labour deprives children of their childhood, their potential and their dignity. It is harmful to both physical and mental development. In the Philippines, scores of children still struggle in farms and plantations, mines, factories and private homes.

In the meantime, alleged violence and harassment of labourers and trade union leaders for performing their jobs is unacceptable. The ILO has urged the Philippines to take steps to end violence, harassment and intimidation.