"Some 165 million children between the ages of 5 and 14 are estimated to be currently involved in child labour. Child labour is a grave human rights’ violation" and is preventing these children from having a serene life and development and an adequate education for their future. For the International Children’s Day, the EU commissioners Ferrero-Waldner, Ashton, Michel and Spidla have signed a joint statement to stress the EU’s commitment to fight against child labour in Europe and in the world. It is a "core commitment of the EU’s human rights agenda" which is pursued through a "comprehensive approach" that involves political and economic actions to support development and education, and actions "with regard to poverty alleviation, the labour market, social protection and free and universal primary education." The statement reaffirms the EU’s commitment to work with partners countries and international organisations, especially the UN. The EU is currently supporting some projects in Brazil, Cambodia, Morocco, Egypt and Turkey, and is also implementing similar projects in Pakistan in cooperation with the Pakistan’s government. ” ” ” “.
