Competition harnesses power of music in combating child labour

ABO/NDO– Fifteen outstanding entries in a song composing competition against child labour were honoured at a ceremony held on December 2.

The competition was launched on April 27, 2021 by the Vietnamese Ministry of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs (MoLISA), the International Labour Organization (ILO) and the Vietnam Musicians’ Association, in collaboration with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), Save the Children International, and Good Neighbors International.

At the award ceremony (Photo: laodong.vn).

Marking the UN International Year for the Elimination of Child Labour, the competition aims to raise public awareness of child labour, which affects nearly 1 in 10 children worldwide and 5.3 percent of Vietnamese 5-17 year-olds, or more than 1 million children in the country, the ILO said on its website.

While child labour has decreased by almost 40 percent over the last two decades, globally, the COVID-19 pandemic threatens to reverse this progress.

Pham Ngoc Khoi, Vice President of the Vietnam Musicians’ Association and head of the jury, said the organising board had received 88 entries by 68 musicians nationwide within four months.

The works call for joint actions to ensure a better life for children and ensure their rights and all-round development, he said.

Two first prizes, four second prizes, five third prizes and four consolation prizes were awarded.

(Source: NDO)