World Day Against Child Labour takes place on 12th June and will highlight the steps that need to be taken for the International Labour Organization's (ILO) Roadmap for achieving the elimination of the worst forms of child labour by 2016 to become reality. In this context, what can companies do to tackle the root causes of child labour and how can they ensure that they provide decent and appropriate employment opportunities for young workers, parents and caregivers?
The ILO defines child labour as being "work that deprives children of their childhood, their potential and their dignity, and that is harmful to physical and mental development". Principle 2 of the Children's Rights and Business Principles, published by UNICEF, the UN Global Compact and Save the Children in March 2012, states that all businesses should "contribute to the elimination of child labour, including in all buisness activities and business relationships.
Companies are increasingly aware of the need to tackle child labour in their supply chains. They are also aware of the reputational risks should they not address the issues effectively. The Children's Rights and Business Principles identify good practice as being where companies take steps to prevent child labour, and also put in place corrective plans that consider the child's best interests where instances are identified.
However, approaching child labour in a holistic way involves going beyond the traditional methods of tackling the issue. Principle 3 of the Children's Rights and Business Principles states that companies should strive to "provide decent work for young workers, parents and caregivers". In its definition, the ILO emphasises that "not all work done by children should be classified as child labour". Examples of positive and appropriate work include assisting with a family business and earning pocket money at times that do not interfere with schooling, involves no hazard and it strictly time limited.
Interesting work in this area which demonstrates the scope of the issues, includes examples of companies providing assistance for migrant workers to keep in touch with children and family left behind, innovative apprenticeship schemes and vocational and enterprise education.
To explore how companies can take a solutions focussed approach to tackling child labour, we have brought together a panel of experts for a live online discussion. The discussion will look at tackling the root causes of child labour, providing decent work and employment opportunities for young workers, parents and caregivers and the role of governments in tackling child labour issues.
The discussion will take place on Tuesday 12th June from 2-4pm (BST) in the comments secion at the foot of this page. You'll need to be registered to comment on the guardian site to participate, and comments and questions in advance of the discussion are also very welcome. Please note that any comments that are not about solutions to issues around child labour will be marked off-topic.
The panel
Marianne Barner, senior advisor, Ikea Group Staff Sustainability, Ikea
Joanne Dunn, senior protection advisor, child labour, UNICEF
Carmel Giblin, general manager, Sedex
Julia Kilbourne, category leader: apparel and textiles, Ethical Trading Initiative
This content is brought to you by Guardian Sustainable Business in association with UNICEF. Produced by Guardian Business and Professional to a brief agreed with UNICEF. Paid for by UNICEF. All editorial controlled and overseen by the Guardian.
