Child Labour 12/6/08

INTO Press Release: Statement by John Carr, General Secretary, Irish National Teachers’ Organisation, on Child Labour

World Day Against Child Labour

12th June 2008
 
Irish people could be contributing to child labour in developing countries according to the Irish National Teachers’ Organisation. The primary teachers’ union has challenged parents to stop and consider the issue of child labour when buying school uniforms.
 
“Every parent when buying school uniforms for their children should ask retailers if child labour has been used in the making of the clothes,” said John Carr, general secretary of the INTO.
 
“Every child has the right to an education,” said Carr. “If child labour is being used to produce school uniforms then Irish people are effectively denying children in poorer countries an education.”
 
He said every year there is a big fuss about the high cost of school uniforms. He said there should also be concern about how some shops can supply school uniforms at very low costs. “In some cases,” said Carr, “it is hard to avoid the conclusion that low costs are the result of child labour.”
 
He challenged clothing retailers to prove that school uniforms are not being made using child labour in the developing world. “Any retailer should be able to show clearly that no children were exploited in the making of the products offered for sale.”
 
He said all primary schools, when sending out notices in relation to school uniforms, should ensure that their school uniform policy is child labour proofed. “Schools that suggest a certain outlet to parents should make sure that the stock is not made by children in another country. He also urged schools that do not require uniforms to be bought in a specific retail outlet to advise parents to question retailers about their ethical policies.  
 
He said parents should not be afraid to challenge retailers to show proof of the origin of garments before purchase. “Don’t assume,” he said, “and be prepared to ask”.  
 
“No school in this country should have a school uniform policy that even inadvertently condones child labour.”
 
Mr Carr said child labour was completely unacceptable and no child should be exploited. “Children have the right to live free from exploitation. Retailers, their suppliers and trading partners must fully protect children’s rights.”

He was speaking on World Day against Child Labour (June 12th).
 
ENDS.