Geneva, November 9, 2017 – JTI (Japan Tobacco International) commends the Governing Body of the International Labour Organization (ILO) for postponing its decision on the continuation of the ILO’s partnerships with the tobacco sector in the fight against child labor. ARISE (Achieving Reduction in Child Labor in Support of Education), JTI’s current Public Private Partnership with the ILO, has proven that the most efficient approach is a coordinated one involving all areas of expertise. Elaine McKay, Global Leaf Social Programs Director at JTI said: “Together, we have already withdrawn thousands of children from child labor since its launch in 2011. The issues involved are much more complex than the over-simplified view portrayed by the FCTC Secretariat and anti-tobacco activists, who are more concerned about the source of funding than fighting child labor. It is now crucial that the Governing Body assesses this misdirected pressure on the social mandate of the ILO, and understands fully what is at stake – the future of tobacco growing communities – before reaching a consensus.
We will not walk away from our commitment to help eliminate child labor and improve the lives of our farmers, their families and the communities in which we work, and will continue the ARISE program.”