ON WORLD DAY AGAINST CHILD LABOUR SCOTS HAVE POWER TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE

Scotland has a role to play in ending child Labour. That is the message from Kilmarnock and Loudoun SNP MSP, Willie Coffey on the world day against child labour.

This year's World Day Against Child Labour - organised by the International Labour Organisation (ILO) - marks the tenth anniversary of the adoption of ILO convention 182, which addresses the need for action to tackle the worst forms of child labour.

Mr Coffey has tabled a motion in the Scottish Parliament calling on Scottish consumers and businesses to use their purchasing power to help bring an end to child labour.

While celebrating progress made during the past ten years, the world day will highlight the continuing challenges, with a focus on the exploitation of girls through child labour.

SNP MSP Willie Coffey said:

"Child labour is one of the worst aspects of poverty and girls face particular disadvantages.

"Girls often have to combine long hours of household chores with economic activity outside the household, which can have a very negative impact on their opportunities to get an education.

"Research shows that educating girls is one of the most effective ways of tackling poverty. Educated girls are more likely to have better lives themselves and to ensure that their own children are educated.

"Although times are hard for many families, I ask all Scots to remember that, if the price is unbelievably low, it is likely that so too were the ethical standards under which the product was made.

"If Scottish consumers and businesses avoid buying the products of child labour, they can do their bit to help end this exploitation."