International Programme on the Elimination of Child Labour
Encyclopedia
The International Programme on the Elimination of Child Labour (IPEC) is a programme that the International Labour Organization
has run since 1992. IPEC’s aim is to work towards the progressive elimination of child labour by strengthening national capacities to address child labour problems, and by creating a worldwide movement to combat it.
and practices similar to slavery, such as bonded child labour and children in hazardous working conditions and occupations. IPEC also focuses on children who are particularly vulnerable, i.e. very young working children (below 12 years of age), and working girl children.
The political will and commitment of individual governments to address child labour in cooperation with employers' and workers' organizations, other non-governmental organization
s and relevant parties in society – such as universities and the media – is the starting point for all IPEC action. Sustainability
is built in from the start through an emphasis on in-country "ownership". Support is given to partner organizations to develop and implement measures which aim at preventing child labour, withdrawing children from hazardous work and providing alternatives, and improving the working conditions as a transitional measure towards the elimination of child labour.
International Labour Organization
The International Labour Organization is a specialized agency of the United Nations that deals with labour issues pertaining to international labour standards. Its headquarters are in Geneva, Switzerland. Its secretariat — the people who are employed by it throughout the world — is known as the...
has run since 1992. IPEC’s aim is to work towards the progressive elimination of child labour by strengthening national capacities to address child labour problems, and by creating a worldwide movement to combat it.
About
IPEC’s priority target groups are children in worst forms of child labour such as slaverySlavery
Slavery is a system under which people are treated as property to be bought and sold, and are forced to work. Slaves can be held against their will from the time of their capture, purchase or birth, and deprived of the right to leave, to refuse to work, or to demand compensation...
and practices similar to slavery, such as bonded child labour and children in hazardous working conditions and occupations. IPEC also focuses on children who are particularly vulnerable, i.e. very young working children (below 12 years of age), and working girl children.
The political will and commitment of individual governments to address child labour in cooperation with employers' and workers' organizations, other non-governmental organization
Non-governmental organization
A non-governmental organization is a legally constituted organization created by natural or legal persons that operates independently from any government. The term originated from the United Nations , and is normally used to refer to organizations that do not form part of the government and are...
s and relevant parties in society – such as universities and the media – is the starting point for all IPEC action. Sustainability
Sustainability
Sustainability is the capacity to endure. For humans, sustainability is the long-term maintenance of well being, which has environmental, economic, and social dimensions, and encompasses the concept of union, an interdependent relationship and mutual responsible position with all living and non...
is built in from the start through an emphasis on in-country "ownership". Support is given to partner organizations to develop and implement measures which aim at preventing child labour, withdrawing children from hazardous work and providing alternatives, and improving the working conditions as a transitional measure towards the elimination of child labour.
Strategy
A phased and multi-sectoral strategy is applied consisting of the following steps:- Motivating a broad alliance of partners to acknowledge and act against child labour.
- Carrying out a situational analysis to find out about child labour problems in a country.
- Assisting with developing and implementing national policies on child labour problems.
- Strengthening existing organizations and setting up institutional mechanisms.
- Creating awareness on the problem nationwide, in communities and workplaces.
- Promoting the development and application of protective legislation.
- Supporting direct action with (potential) child workers for demonstration purposes, including Time-bound ProgrammesTime-Bound Programmes for the Eradication of the Worst forms of Child LabourThe International Labour Organization Worst Forms of Child Labour Convention calls for time-bound programmes for the eradication of the worst forms of child labour...
to address Worst Forms of Child Labour. - Replicating and expanding successful projects into the programmes of partners.
- Mainstreaming child labour issues into socio-economic policies, programmes and budgets.