Write to your MP about child labour

Dear MP,

As a constituent and a supporter of War on Want I am writing to urge you to take action on child labour.

Child labour is a complex issue. It is a symptom of poverty and whilst its occurrence may cause us enormous heartache I do not believe that throwing the children out of work immediately is an adequate response. I believe that employers and governments have a responsibility to find alternative sources of income for children, to explore ways in which they can be educated alongside their work, and above all to ensure that the reason that they are working is not because of the low wages being paid to their parents.

As I am sure you are aware, child labour results from the necessity either to earn a basic subsistence or to fund an education. Therefore, there are many ways in which employers and governments can tackle the issue. If parents are paid a humane wage, then the need to supplement the family income is negated. When money is provided for basic education, children need not pay for their own schooling. In short, by investing – modestly but long term - in the local community, the need for child labour can be incrementally reduced. And, moreover, a healthy, educated and loyal workforce can be fostered.

I hope very much that you and the government will prioritise development programmes and find extra resources that will bring about an end to child labour in a measured and effective way.

I look forward to receiving your response.

Yours faithfully etc.