Child exploitation

5.3.2015

Question for written answer E-003656-15
to the Commission
Rule 130
Eleftherios Synadinos (NI)

Child labour is widespread throughout the world. It is estimated that more than 100 million children under the age of 14 years old are used for child labour. The economic recession has fuelled illegal activities, in some cases with the family’s consent. In all cases, however, the outcome is the same: children are exploited in various ways and their rights are trampled on. It is a myth nowadays that child labour is a ‘privilege’ of underdeveloped states. Cheap child labour is sought after even in economically developed countries. It is estimated that approximately 5% of children in France, Germany and Great Britain are working in factories, on farms and as home helps, often as the main staff.[1]

This is also a huge problem in Greece. The vast majority of young children aged 14 are now involved in production as opposed to attending school; 63.4% work in agricultural production, followed by trade and industry.

In view of the above, will the Commission say:

Does it intend to develop a mechanism to identify child labour by recording the relevant quantitative and qualitative data and, based on those data, re-assess the problem in order to find a suitable solution?

• [1] http://www.iatrikathemata.gr/paidiergasia.htm