The Fifth World Child Labor Day was observed in Nepali capital on Monday in connection with giving additional impetus to the world campaign against child labor.

At a program organized by the International Labor Organization (ILO), Minister of State for Labor and Transport Management Ramesh Lekhak said the number of child labor has decreased by 11 percent in a short span of time in 2002-2004.

Joint Secretary of the Ministry of Women, Children and Social Welfare Shyam Sundar Sharma said the worst forms of child labor can be eliminated in one decade if the present campaign is given continuity.

ILO Officer In-Charge Pracha Bhasu Rasa said this day will give a message for highlighting the problem in the changed political context.

According to a study carried out by ILO, there are 55,000 domestic child laborers working in Nepal, among them, 21,000 are in Kathmandu, capital of Nepal, alone.

He also called upon all members of society to join in the effort to eliminate child labor.

Source: Xinhua