Oslo International Conference on Child Labour

27-30 October 1997, Oslo, Norway

According to new estimates, over 250 million children between the ages of 5 and 14 work today around the world ­ in countries rich and poor. Many of them are at risk from hazardous and intolerable forms of labour. Many are denied education and trapped in cycles of poverty. Their most basic rights, their health and even their lives are sometimes placed in jeopardy.

The Oslo International Conference on Child Labour, 27-30 October 1997, is to consider the role of development and international cooperation can play in eliminating child labour; and to contribute to the development of new strategies to eliminate child labour at the national, regional and international levels.

The Conference is being hosted by the Government of Norway, with the participation of the ILO and the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF).

The Conference will bring together Ministers of development cooperation, labour, education, social welfare and justice from 40 industrialized and developing countries, as well as leaders of trade unions and employers' organizations, non-governmental organizations, United Nations agencies and other multi-lateral organizations, and leading experts on child labour.

The Conference will consist of two sessions: a technical session to be held on 27-28 October followed by a political session on 29-30 October.