Limiting child labor in Ibb [Archives:2006/918/Local News]
Nashwan Dammaj
Yemen Times Reporter
IBB, Feb. 5 ) In cooperation with UNESCO, the Childhood Friends Society (CFS) began a child labor workshop Saturday. The first of its kind in Ibb province, the four-day workshop will discuss child labor issues in Yemen, aiming to limit the worsening trend.
Abdullah Al-Ba'adani, Yemeni Writers Union Chairman in Ibb, stated that the government is responsible to fulfill children's needs including basic education and health care. He pointed out that the government realizes there is high unemployment among parents and acknowledges that it is accountable for providing social security to poor families forcing their children into labor to subsist.
During the workshop, child speaker Salma Fuad Al-Sayyadi spoke about the Children's Parliament, making recommendations related to child and human rights.
CFS Chairwoman Majidah Al-Showaiter indicated that the child labor phenomenon worsens with each passing day. She mentioned the society's activities in dealing with such a widespread trend in developing countries due to lack of public awareness, high illiteracy rates and population explosions.
According to Al-Showaiter, the society pursues efforts to curb the spread of child labor in coordination with international organizations. She said until now, CFS has accommodated 30 children, providing their basic needs.
Amin Al-Warafi, Ibb Deputy Governor and Local Council Chairman, affirmed that holding such workshops indicates there is more priority and attention being given to children – the most important component in social development. He emphasized that children should be granted their education and health rights to become effective members of society.
Ibb University lecturer Dr. Ahmad Al-Haboub presented a working paper on the social aspects of child labor and factors behind the trend's proliferation.
As many as 30 judicial, security and media participants, as well as chairmen of local Ibb societies, are taking part in the workshop.
——
[archive-e:918-v:14-y:2006-d:2006-02-06-p:ln]
