The International Federation of Women Lawyers, FIDA, Rivers State chapter has called on relevant stakeholders to take drastic actions by investing more in the society to fight poverty and bring to an end, the ills of child Labour.
Chairperson of FIDA Rivers, Adata Bio-Briggs made the call while marking the World Day against Child Labour with the theme “Universal Social Protection to End Child Labour.”
She said major cause of child labour is poverty, which has made some parents and guardians use their children to generate income for the family instead of going to school.
She emphasized that child labour of any kind affects a child’s growth and wellbeing mentally, physically, socially, or morally as it is harmful to the children and society in general.
“Children are seen during school hours hawking on the streets and thereby exposing them to dangers such as kidnap, Defilements and other societal ills. This year’s theme focuses on investment in social protection systems and schemes to establish a solid social protection network to protect children from Child labour, knowing fully well that the major cause of child labour is poverty”.
Bio-Briggs reiterated that Child Labour cuts the dreams of millions of children across the globe, nation and Rivers state, noting that every child has the right to study and fulfill their dreams.
“We FIDA Rivers State hereby states emphatically, that the right to education is a fundamental right of every child and so should not be aborted. It is our collective duty to ensure that no single child should be exploited; every child deserves a better life and a good standard of living.
“Do not take away a child’s childhood by handing them work tools, hand them pens and books and make their future bright”.
