US agency offers funds to combat child labour in Liberia

ERJ staff report (RPN)

Rubber & Plastics News Staff Report

Washington, DC -- The US Department of Labor's Bureau of International Labor Affairs is offering up to $6 million to fund one or more projects to combat child labour in Hevea rubber-growing areas of Liberia.

The agency is seeking bids from applicants that will focus on children working or at risk of being involved in various forms of child labour in rubber-producing areas.

Among other things, applicants must show they understand the cultural, economic, social and legal contexts of Liberia and the communities in which interventions will be carried out, the department said. The applicants also need to address existing gaps in policies, programs, and the enforcement of relevant laws and coordination of relevant efforts.

The project must promote ways that increase the children's access to quality education opportunities as well as sustainable livelihoods for children's households, the agency said.

The Labor Department has set a 4 Sept deadline for applications.

Child labour has been a major issue in Liberia. Bridgestone Corp., which owns the world's largest NR plantation near Harbel, Liberia, a year ago won a lawsuit filed against it claiming the company sanctioned child labour at its NR site.

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Article from Rubber & Plastics News