Congress is now considering the President’s budget, introduced in early February, and will begin creating the budget for FY17. Among the many things included in this budget is funding (that has been allocated since 1995) for programs that support and protect nearly 2 million children in or at risk of entering child labor. As Congress decides what programs are funded, your voice is needed.
Today as we observe Red Hand Day, a day to raise awareness about the use of child soldiers, half of the nearly 60 million displaced people around the world are children. They, like Jeremiah, face risk of abuse, hunger, neglect, exploitation, and other forms of violence as they are separated from their parents or caregivers, as they run out of options for livelihoods and survival, or as education is interrupted by disaster or conflict.
As news of a budget deal rolled out this morning, we held our breath. Earlier this year our hearts sank as we realized that the entire budget line item for programs to fight child labor within the International Labor Affairs Bureau (ILAB) had been cut from the proposed FY2016 federal budget. These programs have a proven … Read More
Update September 16, 2015: Congress has introduced a budget bill that includes restored funding for ILAB programs to fight child labor! Your actions and prayers made it happen. Thank you. We want to say thank you to our advocates. In addition to making phone calls and having meetings, you have sent over 15,000 emails to … Read More
Today is recognized as World Day Against Trafficking in Persons – including the 5.5 million children in forced labor. However, the United States Congress has made the decision to zero out the account that funds programs that have effectively worked with partners to withdraw 1.7 million children from the worst forms of child labor, including … Read More
Earlier this month, Senator Marco Rubio– a Senate sponsor of the Girls Count Act, shared on CNN why this legislation is so critical. Senator Rubio argues that legislation such as the Girls Count Act, as well as strong foreign assistance, not only positively impacts and saves millions of lives, but also advances U.S. national interests. … Read More
Update: Wednesday, June 24, late afternoon Congress appointed Molly Phee U.S. Ambassador to South Sudan. Thank you for all your phone calls! In a just-released report, South Sudan topped the list of the world’s most fragile states for the second year in a row. World Vision’s policy adviser for child protection Jessica Bousquette, shares why … Read More
Today, we continue to celebrate fathers by sharing a story from India. Men are playing a critical role in ending child marriage and helping the community realize that girls are to be valued, given opportunities for education, and a chance to thrive. By Annilla Harris; World Vision India According to the 2014 UNICEF report, Ending Child Marriage … Read More
Today is World Day Against Child Labor. When young Latha’s mother became sick, she found herself responsible for caring for her younger brothers and was forced to drop out of school. To help her family, she began working 12-plus hours a day as a laborer at a local matchstick factory. Watch her story and how … Read More
The Girls Count Act is going to the President’s desk! We want to give a heartfelt thank you to all of our World Vision advocates. More than a year and a half ago the Girls Count Act was introduced in Congress. You stayed with us on this journey that was long, and sometimes discouraging. Last … Read More