1 Presentation on Child labour situation in the garment industry in Bangladesh. Past and present approaches to child labour Md. Obaidur Rahman Programme Coordinator Save the Children Sweden-Denmark

2 Child labour in Garments as an Issue Introduction of "Child Labour Deterrence Act" by Senator Tom Harkin in the U.S. Congress in 1993 Threatened boycott led by trade unions, NGOs The proposed Deterrence started the whole discussion of child labour in the garment industry on a terrible negative note

3 Sectoral Approach Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was signed on 4th July 1995 among BGMEA, UNICEF and ILO to eliminate child labour from the Garment Sector of Bangladesh and to place the retrenched child workers in the special MOU schools. This WORK TO SCHOOL Approach consisted of -withdrawn from work -placed in special schools where they received Non-formal Education (NFE), skills training -a stipend of US$ 7per month

4 Sectoral Approach more than 10,000 working children was withdrawn from work The BGMEA project later operated by under MOU-2, which was more focused in work palace improvement components This photo was published in the Danish News paper, Politiken

5 Challenges of the Sectoral Approach Understanding of child Labour situation through evidence based information Operationalization of the principles ‘Best interest of Children’ Children’s participation in defining, identifying and practical actions

6 Local Advisory Group to explore new approach to address Child Labour in garments sector

7 Identified dilemma in addressing child labour in garments sector Child labor is no longer a problem in the Ready Made Garments sector versus Children and young people involved in the value chain of the garments sectors Contribution to family of the working children versus existence of the family Ethical Standards, Codes of Conduct, Monitoring of Code of Conduct Versus Safeguard children from exploitation and ensure their improved livelihood

8 Identified dilemma in addressing child labour in garments sector Formal skill development training versus Informal skill development process. Learning by doing as an approach Consumer and western retailer’s preference versus Child Rights in Bangladesh Employers incentives to improve their governance including child rights Local version of communities’ engagement Improved Working Conditions versus Child rights

9 Identified dilemma in addressing child labour in garments sector Short-term gain vs. Long term business requirement Uniformity of Code of Conduct of buyers versus appropriate tools and techniques to address children’s rights in a socially responsible ways Norms of Social accountability vs. Local concerns / one size fits all approach Identification of Child Friendly Work Sectors

10 Present approaches to child labour Work Poverty Education Earn and Learn Approach

11 THANKS FOR YOUR ATTENTION