Human chain against child labour

By Ramya Kannan

CHENNAI, APRIL 30. With the heat of the election campaign being turned on with full force in the city, it seemed there was a full-fledged political party campaigning at the Valluvar Kottam, Monday evening. The proper poll paraphernalia was there - crowds, bit notices, banners, placards- only for a different cause.

This time, however, the highest banners did not reach beyond four feet or so. The placard bearers were children involved in various forms of labour and on the occasion of Anti- Child Labour day today, released their own manifesto.

First on the list: All children must be provided with quality education free of cost up to standard 10. This was followed up with demands for nutritious food, housing and basic facilities, special attention for tribal, Dalit girls and disabled children. The loudest demand was, however, for abolishing child labour, by making the Child Labour Abolition Act of 1986, more effective and ensuring safety for the children.

The child labourers, who belonged to various city- based NGOs read out their list of demands themselves. They also clarified definitions for `children', human rights and child rights, besides presenting a detailed picture of the various forms of child abuse and labour, even referring to the laws relating to them.

The Children's Election Manifesto was released at a function organised on the occasion of Anti-Child Labour Day by the Campaign Against Child Labour (CACL), a network of NGOs in the State. A number of children from `Nesakkaram', ICCW, Siga, Arunodhaya, Mariyalaya, ACDS, CCRD, Jeeva Jyothi and Arpanam participated in the cultural programme and later in the human chain that was flagged off by Mr. Joy Maliekal, National Convener, CACL.

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Section  : Southern States
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