Brussels, 19/06/2009 (Agence Europe) - On Thursday 18 June, the European Union stated its intention to more effectively combat child labour. “Despite major progress, considerable efforts have still to be made to ensure the rights of the child are respected”, said Jacques Barrot, European Justice Commissioner, speaking at the fourth meeting of the European Forum on the Rights of the Child. He went on to say he believes special attention should be paid to the phenomena of violence and poverty, and to children in a particularly vulnerable situation, especially in the context of immigration. In 2005, the ILO estimated that 2.45 million people are victims of human trafficking in the world, 43% for purposes of sexual exploitation and 32% for purposes of labour exploitation, and that children represent 40% to 50% of victims, Mr Barrot pointed out. In his view, the exploitation of children is also a reality in Europe, especially in Romania where 60-70,000 children are involved in activities such as begging, drugs, theft and prostitution. The commissioner said the fight against child labour is an essential commitment in the Union programme on rights of the child. The Commission communication on the “Stockholm Programme” “clearly states that we must now continue to develop an ambitious EU Strategy on the Rights of the Child”, he stressed. Furthermore, the Commission presented a framework decision in March on combating human trafficking, making explicit reference to the defence of minors in a vulnerable situation. However, although the EU may boast that it took the initiative in favour of protecting children's rights, Mr Barrot considers that the fight must now be taken on by public authorities and enterprise. The Forum should therefore focus on how to effectively address child labour using instruments the EU has at its disposal. Within the main theme of child labour, the Forum specifically focused on social protection and corporate social responsibility. The fight against child labour also has an important external dimension for the EU. “Child labour needs to be tackled at all levels and through concerted efforts from governments, international community, civil society, industry and social partners”, said Benita Ferrero-Walder, Commissioner for External Relations and European Neighbourhood Policy. She also explained that the Union had adopted an overall approach with a view to eliminating all forms of child labour, covering political, trade, development and governance dialogue, and action on poverty alleviation, the labour market, social dialogue and social protection with emphasis on free and universal primary education. According to ILO estimates, some 250 million children aged from 5 to 14 years of age are at work, with approximately 120 million working full time and 126 million involved in hazardous work. (B.C./transl.jl)