ILO submits the Elimination of Child Labour Petition to the Ministry of Manpower

The ILO has submitted the petition on the elimination of child labour in Indonesia, signed by more than 5,000 people to the Ministry of Manpower. The petition was part of the effort reach a world without child labour by 2025.

News | Jakarta, Indonesia | 23 August 2021
Michiko Miyamoto, Country Director of the ILO in Indonesia, submitted the petition on the elimination of child labour to the Ministry of Manpower on 18 August. The petition was received by Yuli Adiratna, Director of Labour Inspection Norms on behalf of Director General of Labour Inspection and Occupational Safety and Health (OSH).

Petition of the Elimination of Child Labour
The petition, signed by more than 5,000 participants of the ILO’s Child Labour Virtual Race, highlighted the following actions to support movements to eliminate child labour at global and national levels; support the achievement of a child-labour free Indonesia; ensure that all Indonesian children can enjoy their rights as children; ensure that all Indonesian children can enjoy education for their future; and support all relevant stakeholder to have an integrated synergy in the elimination of child labour.

“The petition shows that the society really cares and they can act as the ambassadors for the elimination of child labour in the country,” said Michiko. While Yuli appreciated the petition and said “this is a positive push for the government and we need to continue to work hand-in-hand through innovative ways such as digital action like this stop child labour for the advanced Indonesia.”

Statistical demographic of participants
The submission of the petition also marked the closing of the Child Labour Virtual Race 2021 under the theme: Act Now, End Child Labour. The Virtual Race, held from 12 June to 3 July, obliged 5,021 runners and cyclists to complete 12.6 and 25 kilometres, respectively. However, the participants showed their dedication by marking the record for the longest run for 640 kilometers and cycle for 2,865 kilometers.

The participants were also actively involved in advocating the importance of education and the elimination of child labour through social media campaigns. They did not only took part in series of education sessions conducted throughout the Virtual Race, but they also actively posted messages through their social media accounts.

Enrico Hugo, CEO and Co-founder Cause Indonesia, as the ILO’s partner in the organization of the Virtual Race, wished that the public at large will continue their support to the elimination of child labour even beyond the Virtual Race. “Although we see a declining trend in child labour status, but we still need a strong support from the society to reach the target of child labour free by 2025,” he said.

The Child Labour Petition and Virtual Race marked the commemoration of the International Year for the Elimination of Child Labour 2021 and the World Day against Child Labour, which falls on 12th of June every year
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The live streaming of the submission of the petition can be viewed on ILO TV Indonesia