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Ending child labour offers the chance to leave no child behind- says UNICEF on the World Day against Child Labour

Tirana, May 8, 2018 – About 11 per cent of children aged 5 to 17 – 168 million children – are at work around the world. In Albania, the number of children (mainly Roma) working or begging in the streets and subjected to the worst forms of exploitation remains high.

Overall, data on working children in Albania still remain limited. UNICEF strongly encourages the Government to continue to improve the understanding and scope of the phenomenon, with reliable information in order to provide relevant responses and with a view to tracking progress.

By analysing the root causes entrenched in the vicious cycle of poverty, UNICEF has identified that children work for a variety of reasons. Poverty, and a child’s need to contribute to the family economy, is a major factor. However, lack of educational opportunities and the poor quality of school systems, as well as discrimination against children from particular social groups, also acts as a driver for children becoming engaged in labour. Without the opportunity of education, children often have little alternative than to begin work at an early age.

UNICEF in Albania has joined the global Out-of-School Children initiative to uncover data, identify children left behind and offer policy recommendations and cross-sectoral response interventions that will allow every child to go to school and learn. UNICEF is also helping the Government of Albania in prevention and reintegration programmes that focus on family empowerment as a means for eliminating the economic exploitation of children.

“Child labour is unacceptable as young children are denied their right to education, and are forced into the most dangerous forms of labour. Children who work, miss-out on school and are left behind without an opportunity for a better future. We at UNICEF believe that the most effective strategy to prevent children from working in the first place is through increasing access to quality and inclusive education” says Antonella Scolamiero, UNICEF Representative.

As per CRC recommendations, Albania is urged to take further measures to ensure that legislation protecting children against economic and other forms of exploitation, abuse and neglect is rigorously enforced by law; and to ensure that violations thereof receive sanctions. The new law on Child Rights and Protection sets out to ensure comprehensive mechanisms to guarantee child rights with clear roles and accountabilities by key State actors, in addition to those of parents, families and each person living in Albania.

*** About UNICEF UNICEF promotes the rights and wellbeing of every child, in everything we do. Together with our partners, we work in 190 countries and territories to translate that commitment into practical

United Nations Children’s Fund Telephone +355-4 2273335/6/7/8/9 Tirana Office Facsimile +355-4 2243775/6 Rr. Skenderbeg, Volkswagen Bld, 3rd floor www.unicef.org/albania Tirana, Albania MEDIA RELEASE

action, focusing special effort on reaching the most vulnerable and excluded children, to the benefit of all children, everywhere.

For more information about UNICEF and its work visit: www.unicef.org/albania Follow us on Facebook

For further information please contact the UNICEF office in Albania: Antonella Scolamiero, Representative, [email protected] Anila Miria, Communication Officer,[email protected] Linda Bushati, Early Education Specialist, [email protected]

United Nations Children’s Fund Telephone +355-4 2273335/6/7/8/9 Tirana Office Facsimile +355-4 2243775/6 Rr. Skenderbeg, Volkswagen Bld, 3rd floor www.unicef.org/albania Tirana, Albania