The International Labour Organization (ILO) in agreement with the Committee of Ambassadors of the ACP Group of States and with financial support from the European Union (EU) has launched a major new project aimed at tackling child labour through education (TACKLE) in 11 countries across Africa, the Caribbean and the Pacific.

The project has been developed in the context of a strategic partnership signed in 2004 between the ILO and the European Commission (EC) aimed at implementing their common mission to reduce poverty and improve labour conditions in developing countries. The overarching purpose is to accelerate efforts against increasing poverty towards the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals.

Development objectives

To contribute towards poverty reduction in the least developed countries by providing equitable access to basic education and skills development to the most disadvantaged section of the society.

Immediate objectives

The purpose of TACKLE is to strengthen capacity of the national and local authorities in the formulation, implementation and enforcement of policies to fight child labour, in coordination with social partners and civil society.

In particular TACKLE aims to

• Improve country level child labour and education legal framework in project countries through support to its preparation or strengthen it where it already exists.
• Strengthen institutional capacity leading to improved ability to formulate and implement child labour strategies.
• Design and implement targeted actions to combat child labour and develop effective demonstration models.
• Enhance the knowledge base and networks on child labour and education through improved advocacy and dissemination of good practices.

For further information please contact:

Ms Marie Jane Fatiaki
National Programme Coordinator
ILO Country Office for South Pacific Island Countries
Suva, Fiji
Email