Scoop has an Ethical Paywall
Work smarter with a Pro licence Learn More

Gordon Campbell | Parliament TV | Parliament Today | News Video | Crime | Employers | Housing | Immigration | Legal | Local Govt. | Maori | Welfare | Unions | Youth | Search

 

How All New Zealanders can build a fairer world

How All New Zealanders can build a fairer world through Fairtrade

World Day Against Child Labour is a chance for Kiwis to think about how their everyday actions can help build a fairer world, says the Chief Executive Officer of Fairtrade Australia & New Zealand.

This Monday, 12 June, is World Day Against Child Labour.

“Everyone has the power to ask questions of their favourite brands – whether that’s a cup of coffee, a bar of chocolate or a cotton t-shirt,” says Molly Harriss Olson.

According to the United Nations, around 168 million children are caught up in child labour. More than half are exposed to the worst forms of exploitation, such as slavery, involvement in armed conflict, drug trafficking and prostitution, and are denied the chance to be children.

But it is the agriculture sector where most children work illegally, with an estimated 98 million child labourers worldwide.

“The global supply chains for many products that we use every day – chocolate, coffee and cotton, electronics and footwear among them – are frequently opaque,” Ms Harriss Olson explains.

“This makes it hard for consumers to understand the extent of their entanglement with child exploitation. Many of us may be supporting child labour without realising it.”

The United Kingdom’s Modern Slavery Act, introduced in 2015, has had a significant positive impact on the UK’s corporate leadership. Australia is also looking into the establishment of a Modern Slavery Act, which Ms Harriss Olson says is “an unmissable opportunity” to drive transparency through our supply chains.

Advertisement - scroll to continue reading

Are you getting our free newsletter?

Subscribe to Scoop’s 'The Catch Up' our free weekly newsletter sent to your inbox every Monday with stories from across our network.

“Changing the law will demand more of our largest companies, transform supply chains, actively eliminate child exploitation and promote decent work.

“But each of us can also play an important role in eradicating child labour.

“Each time we take bite of Fairtrade chocolate, purchase a cup of Fairtrade coffee or take a step in Fairtrade footwear, we are taking a stand against child labour,” Ms Harriss Olson concludes.

ends

© Scoop Media

Advertisement - scroll to continue reading
 
 
 
Parliament Headlines | Politics Headlines | Regional Headlines

 
 
 
 
 
 

LATEST HEADLINES

  • PARLIAMENT
  • POLITICS
  • REGIONAL
 
 

InfoPages News Channels


 
 
 
 

Join Our Free Newsletter

Subscribe to Scoop’s 'The Catch Up' our free weekly newsletter sent to your inbox every Monday with stories from across our network.