‘There’s lack of political will to fight child labour globally’

BY Abhishek Dey14 Oct 2014 4:45 AM IST

In an interview with Abhishek Dey, he complains about lack of political will globally in regards to child labour and how social evils such as the caste system makes it worse in India.

What does it mean for a child right activist to be honoured with the Nobel Prize for Peace?

It is the biggest recognition to the plight and miseries of millions of children who have been deprived of the fundamental right of childhood. Had the issue been recognised earlier, the fight against child labour would have become easier. This award should act as a big impetus for those who have been working on this issue in India and globally.

What do you seek from the new government?

I had a good conversation with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday and we discussed the issue of child labour in India besides other necessities like cleanliness and education. I asked for his support in my fight against child labour and he was very much willing to help. I hope we, together, shall make India free from child labour.

Child trafficking is an international problem. So how can it be fought at a global level? And what has been the role of the United Nations in this regard?

Geopolitics, ecological issues, international trade, etc have all contributed to the menace of child labour. Globalisation of markets or globalisation of information technology, none contributes to humanity. Now it is time for globalisation of compassion. This human instinct shall have to be taken out from the inside and put to use for children. This is how a fight is possible at a global level. I have been associated with various wings of United Nations, particularly ILO and UNICEF for a long time and if they ask for my help, I shall happily contribute. However, I must say that a major setback in this regard has been a lack of political will everywhere around the world.

What is the relation between child labour and other interrelated ills that cripple developing countries?

Child labour, poverty and education are three different issues which are highly interdependent. They form a cause and consequence relationship, hence, cannot be treated in isolation. Caste system in India makes it worse. Caste system is not just a social evil, it is utter violence. How can somebody be considered ‘born to be a slave’ just because one was born in a family pertaining to a certain caste?

How has Mahatma Gandhi inspired you in your fight for the freedom of the children?

I believe in Gandhi in a different way. What inspired me is the way he translated his spiritual values into a larger socio-political movement. I am not driven by political theories and despite not being to a temple for around 40 years, I still believe in spirituality and I worship childhood.

‘There’s lack of political will to fight child labour globally’

Abhishek Dey

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