World Scouting to work with ILO against Child Labour

Geneva (ILO News) 9 December 2004-- The International Labour Organization (ILO) and the World Organization of the Scout Movement (WOSM) have agreed to cooperate at enhancing children's participation and youth empowerment to eliminate child labour though the participation of the Scouts in the International Programme on Elimination of Child Labour (ILO/IPEC).

Under the terms of a Memorandum of Understanding, the ILO and the Scout Movement will promote joint activities to equip young people with knowledge and understanding of globalization, global interdependence and solidarity, and to appreciate the meaning of responsibility, respect and commitment.

The ILO sets basic labour standards including the right to freedom of association and collective bargaining, the elimination of forced or compulsory labour, the abolition of child labour, and equality of opportunity and treatment at work, that the Scouts would promote in their educational programmes.

The initiative will focus on using a mobilization resource package promoting the rights of children as well as to express their view on matters affecting them. In addition, the ILO/IPEC programme SCREAM (Supporting Children's Rights through Education, the Arts and the Media) will complement the Scout educational programme “Ticket to Life” by delving into children’s creative and emotional sphere and helping develop self-esteem.

The official agreement was signed at ILO Headquarters by M. Frans Röselaers, Director of the International Programme on the Elimination of Child Labour (ILO/IPEC) and Mr. Jean Cassaigneau, Deputy Secretary General of World Scouting.