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FAO and ILO urge countries to better protect children working in fisheries and aquacultureMany children are exposed to harsh and hazardous working conditions that harm their health and learning abilities 27 June 2013, Rome - Governments need to take measures to protect children from harmful work in small-scale fisheries and aquaculture, say the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the International Labour Organization (ILO). The FAO and ILO estimate that around 130 million children work in agriculture, livestock and fisheries - accounting for 60 per cent of child labour worldwide. There are no aggregate data showing how many children work in fisheries and aquaculture, but case study evidence suggests child labour is a problem especially in informal small and medium-sized fishing and aquaculture enterprises and in family operations. "Children are more at risk than adults from safety and health hazards because their bodies are not yet fully developed," explains Rob Vos, Director of the Gender, Equity and Rural Employment Division of the FAO. "There are many tasks in fisheries and aquaculture that children should not do. We should focus our efforts to prevent child labour. Programmes to reduce poverty and improve fishing technologies and practices will take away the need for child labour." The report stresses that not all fishery activities children engage in are undesirable. Some can even be positive for their development. They can acquire practical and social skills as they learn how to fish, learn how to process fish and sell them in the market. Countries need to act |
[2013/84/en] Tools for journalists & editors
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