Convention on the Rights of the Child

HC Deb 09 January 2001 vol 360 c505W

Mr. Alexander

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what action he is taking in support of the Convention on the Rights of the Child, with particular reference to through-bonded child labour. [143546]

Mr. Hain

The Government are committed to the principles enshrined in the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC). The Government signed the two new Optional Protocols to the CRC on the protection of children in armed conflict and the sale of children, prostitution and child pornography in September 2000. We are now working on ratification of the protocols. The Government are also fully engaged in preparations for the United Nations General Assembly Special Session on Children due to take place in September 2001.

With regard to bonded labour, I refer my hon. Friend to the answer I gave to my hon. Friend the Member for Glasgow, Govan, (Mr. Sarwar) on 21 July 2000, Official Report, columns 370–71W.