June 12: World Day Against Child Labor

PRESS RELEASE

Athens, 12 June 2020

June 12: World Day Against Child Labor
"The Smile of the Child" supports the global effort against Child Labor

On the occasion of the World Day Against Child Labor, which is celebrated every year on June 12, “The Smile of the Child” actively participates in global efforts to raise awareness

This year, the United Nations and the International Labor Organization (ILO) are focusing on the COVID-19 health pandemic and launching an awareness campaign with the message: "Protect children from child labor, now more than ever." The health crisis has resulted in an economic and labor market shock, having a huge impact on people’s lives and livelihoods. The crisis can push millions of vulnerable children into child labor. There are already an estimated 152 million children in child labor, 72 million of whiom are in hazardous work. These children are now at even greater risk of facing more difficult circumstances and longer working hours.
 
In Greece, official statistics from the National Referral Mechanism for the Protection of Human Trafficking Victims show only 4 recorded victims for 2019. However, it is estimated that the number of victims of child labor amounts to thousands, especially due to the refugee migration crisis.
 
Our experience at "The Smile of the Child" shows that all minors are potential victims of trafficking. Social exclusion and poverty may lead to child exploitation (sexual, forced panhandling etc.), neglect and substance abuse. These increase child runaways and further victimization.  
 
Based on expert reports, traders often target vulnerable groups of children such as immigrants and refugees, who are more likely to fall victims of exploitation in their desperate attempt to escape difficult circumstances in their home countries.
 
The vast majority of such incidents are not reported. As a result, recovery resources like the "European Hotline for Missing Children 116000" and the Amber Alert (operated by our Organization with other partners) do not get activated.  

In Greece, "The Smile of the Child" regularly cooperates with the Office of the National Rapporteur on Trafficking in Human Beings, the police and prosecutors, and other bodies in preventing human trafficking. Our Organization has contributed significantly to the creation of the National Refererral Mechanism for the Protection of Human Trafficking Victims established in January 2019 and coordinated by the National Center for Social Solidarity. The goals are victim recovery, as well as support after their recovery.
 
About “The Smile of the Child”
 
"The Smile of the Child" works to raise awareness,and help implement existing legislation regarding child labor. The Organization helps child victims of human trafficking through the following:

• "National SOS Helpline for Children 1056"
• "European Helpline for Children and Adolescents 116111"
• "European Hotline for Missing Children 116000"
• The network of our Homes across the country
• The Support Centers for Children and Families

The Organization also operates “The House of the Child”, a care center that provides mental health services to victims of abuse, neglect, domestic violence, victimized minors, children involved in bullying incidents and generally children who have recently or in the past been exposed to severe psycho-traumatic experiences that result in mental health or behavioral problems. “The House of the Child” is unique in Greece and innovative both in Europe and internationally.
 
Here you may watch the awareness video of the European project "VICTOR- Children Victims of Trade - Our Responsibilities" implemented by "The Smile of the Child" in the region of Southeast Europe.
 
For more info please contact
«The Smile of the Child» Press Dept.
Tel. 210-3306140
press@hamogelo.gr