Time for Equality at Work'

The ILO launches ‘Time for equality at work’, the fourth global report under the follow-up to the ILO Declaration on Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work.

Press release | BANGKOK | 09 May 2003

BANGKOK (ILO News) – The International Labour Organization (ILO)’s International Programme on the Elimination of Child Labour (IPEC) is holding a ‘Football Fun Day’ at the Dhephassadin Stadium1on Saturday 7 June for 70 girls and boys from Father Joe Maier’s Human Development Foundation (Mercy Centre) in Klong Toey and the Foundation for Child Development (FCD)’s Duang Khae Children’s Centre.

The event, which takes place from 10.00 am - 3.00 pm, will include football coaching sessions delivered by JWFD (Jason Withe Football Development), as well as awareness-raising activities on the subject of child labour, as well as trafficking, the theme of this year’s World Day Against Child Labour2. The facilities were kindly provided by Football Association of Thailand (F.A.T.)’s President Vijit Getkaew and Secretary-General Worawi Mukadi.

The ILO views trafficking as an assault on human dignity and a denial of a person’s opportunity to make the most of his or her resources and to contribute to the economic development of his or her nation. The exploitation suffered by victims of trafficking is contrary to "full, productive and freely chosen employment" – even more so for trafficked children, who often suffer the loss of their potential to become productive adults.

IPEC works towards the effective elimination of trafficking of children by addressing its root causes. In collaboration with other international organizations, IPEC conducts action research on child trafficking; supports the efforts of governments, workers’ and employers’ organizations and civil society in the prevention of trafficking; in the rescue, repatriation and restoration of the rights of victims; and in strengthening the judiciary and the police in prosecuting offenders.

IPEC launched its ‘Red card to child labour’ campaign at the African Nations Cup in January 2002 in Mali, through an agreement made with FIFA. Real Madrid’s centenary match late last year was also dedicated to this cause.

In addition to the formal football coaching and educational activities, Clown Eckie will keep the crowd amused with his multiple clown personalities.

Media organizations are cordially invited to cover this event. Supporting materials, including B-roll footage, can be provided for selected broadcasters, while interview opportunities could be arranged for use on June 12.

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1World Day Against Child Labour is officially marked on June 12.

2 Dhephassadin Stadium is located next to Supachalasai Stadium on Rama I Road, close to National Stadium BTS station