The Scottish Government and Sport Relief will fund projects to help children escape child labour and access eduction
Unicef projects aimed at improving the lives of children in the developing world have been given £750,000 by the Scottish Government and Sport Relief.
They are aimed at helping youngsters escape child labour and access education, external affairs minister Humza Yousaf said.
The joint funding is part of Sport Relief and Scottish Government’s Home and Away programme which will allocate over £1.4 million to projects in Scotland and internationally
Yousaf said the funds represent a practical demonstration of the Scottish Government’s commitment to human rights.
It will also help to secure an international legacy from the 2014 Glasgow Commonwealth Games.
One project is in Bangladesh and will work to prevent child labour by providing cash transfers to families of vulnerable children to ensure they finish school and are not sent out to work before they are ready.
I am happy to say these funds will be put to great use, improving the futures of children and young people
The other is in Malawi and helps young people develop the skills they need to find jobs.
Yousaf said: “The Scottish Government is committed to creating an equal and fair society for everyone, built on the fundamental values of a nation free from prejudice, discrimination and victimisation, and tackling injustice and exclusion in all forms.
“In many parts of the Commonwealth, human rights are being infringed. As a government, we are clear that we condemn human rights abuses wherever they occur, and that we expect states to abide by international human rights standards.
“But we do not seek to lecture and it would not be appropriate for us to do so. We recognise that many nations are on a journey, a journey that Scotland has been on and continues on today.
“Our approach to achieving equality, tackling non- discrimination and fostering good relations is a positive and progressive one today. A deep sense of fairness is part of the fabric of life in Scotland, and this Government is committed to tackling injustice and exclusion at home and internationally.”
Monica Dzonzi, Unicef youth ambassador said: “As the coordinator of the Bangwe Youth Centre, which will be supported by Unicef through this generous donation, I am happy to say these funds will be put to great use, improving the futures of children and young people in my home town of Blantyre, Malawi.”
