The 12to12.org Community Portal is a community of people from various walks of life all working together against child labour.

As specified in the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, child labour is an abuse of children’s fundamental rights.  Child labour includes all forms of work that deprive children of their childhood, their potential and their dignity, that interferes with their education and that is harmful to their physical, mental, spiritual, moral or social development.   According to the International Labour Organization’s recent Global Report on Child Labour, published in 2006, there were 218 million child labourers aged 5-17 years in 2004, 126 million of which were engaged in hazardous work, which accounts for the bulk of the worst forms of child labour

The Portal derives its name from June 12th, the World Day Against Child Labour. The aim of our community is to bring attention to the issue of child labour from June 12th to June 12th, and every day after that until child labourers are finally given the chance to enjoy their rights as children and one day realize their full potential as the adults that they will become.

As we, the members of this community, range from workers' and employers' organizations to youth themselves, the portal has been divided into sections to better suit the activities of each of us. Take a look at the sections below to find out more on how you can share your experiences. Let's work together to eliminate child labour!

Youth in Action		Artistic Community
Calling all young people! Did you know that there are places where unprotected children work long hours instead of going to school? No? Well other young people just like you have joined the fight against child labour! Wanna help? Click here to find out how!		Through various forms of art, including painting, sculpting, theatre and music - the artistic community has provided young people around the world with a way to express themselves. Whether you’re a seasoned artist or just a beginner, check out this section to find out what you can do to help stop child labour.
Schools		Universities
Teachers and students are especially well placed to help prevent child labour. Join schools from around the world in the fight against child labour by looking at this section to find out what other schools have done, or add experience from your own classroom!		University professors and students are key advocates for social justice. From research to activism - you can make a difference. Join the fight against child labour from your own campus or even abroad.
Workers' Organizations		Employers' Organizations
Trade unions and workers' organizations are key to protecting children from the worst forms of child labour. Come see what others have done and add your experience here.		Employers and their organizations have an important role to play in the fight against child labour. Come see what others have done and add your experience here.
International Organizations		Non-governmental Organizations
The United Nations and various International Organizations are at the forefront in the fight against child labour. Poverty reduction, capacity building, the Millennium Development Goals, etc. are all intertwined with the issue of child labour. Use this section to share your experience.		Is your organization working to eliminate child labour? Do your programmes work with children? If so, take the time to share your experiences with others just like you. Review this section to find out how.
Government Institutions		Media
Government ministries and institutions are an important pillar in the fight against child labour in both their own countries and abroad. Visit this section to find out what other governments have done and add your own actions against child labour.		The media is a powerful tool in raising awareness, bringing information about the harm of child labour to the entire world. From print, to television and radio - you can make a difference! Take a look at this section now to find out what you can do, or share your experience with others!
Sports
Through sports, young people and adults around the world are promoting action to stop the exploitation of children.  Have you been involved in a sports-related activity organized to encourage greater awareness and mobilise action against child labour?  Share your experiences here!