Günün Yemeği

In collaboration with the Ministry of Family and Social Services and Ondokuz Mayıs University (OMU) Faculty of Health Sciences Department of Social Work, a symposium titled "Child Labor in the Context of Children's Rights" was held.

The theme of this year’s symposium, planned as an annual event, focused on child labor within the framework of children’s rights.

The symposium discussed the causes of child labor, the psychosocial and economic challenges faced by children, and the social policies and practices aimed at addressing these issues.

“As a ministry, we strive to approach all 86 million citizens with the same love and sincerity.”

Hüseyin Kaya, Head of the Department of Education and Publications at the Ministry of Family and Social Services, spoke during the symposium held at the Atatürk Congress and Culture Center, emphasizing the Ministry’s dedicated efforts to combat child labor.
 
Kaya highlighted their opposition to all forms of child labor: "Our fundamental belief as a ministry is that children belong in playgrounds and classrooms, and in the warmth of their families. The exploitation of a child’s body for labor and profit is utterly unacceptable. We say, ‘Our children are our future.’ Using children as workers and benefiting from their labor cannot be condoned under any circumstances.”
 
Kaya stated that children who have suffered neglect and abuse are provided care in 1,185 child homes and 185 Children’s Homes Coordination Centers to prepare them for the future. He also offered advice to university students aspiring to join the Ministry, emphasizing the importance of maintaining fairness in their assessments.
 
Kaya advised university students aspiring to work in the ministry, saying:

“The important point is how you evaluate situations. When the day comes, and you step into your profession, whether a child or a woman approaches you, or as a social worker, you go into the field and visit households, I kindly ask that you evaluate families based on their problems and emotional states. When assessing individuals in the field, your most crucial reference should be never losing your sense of justice. Even when dividing a cake, you should cut it into equal pieces. When listening to a woman’s issues, I ask that you evaluate her based on the trauma she has experienced. As a ministry, we strive to approach all 86 million citizens with the same love and sincerity.”

Vice-Rector Kurnaz: “This symposium will illuminate the future by offering solutions.”

OMU Vice-Rector Prof. Dr. Çetin Kurnaz drew attention to the long history of discussions surrounding child labor, stating, “I am pleased to be part of this inaugural symposium. Child labor has been a significant issue throughout history. I believe this symposium will provide solutions and illuminate our future. I extend my gratitude to all contributors and participants for their valuable efforts.”

Prof. Dr. Ercümend Ersanlı: “Our priority has always been, and will continue to be, our children.”

Ondokuz Mayıs University Health Sciences Faculty Social Work Department Head Prof. Dr. Ercümend Ersanlı emphasized that the symposium would be a significant step toward developing scientific and rational policies regarding child labor and continued as follows:
 
“Today, we are hosting the inaugural session of the Children’s Symposium, which we plan to establish as a traditional event, with this year’s theme being ‘Child Labor in the Context of Children’s Rights.’ With this event, we aim to raise awareness and share a roadmap for action with the public. As the OMU Health Sciences Faculty Social Work Department, we are proud to admit students ranked 6th among 80 universities in Türkiye, supported by a robust academic staff. In addition to undergraduate education, we also offer master’s and doctoral programs. As in the past, our priority today and in the future remains our children, who are the guarantors of our future. Through the work we will carry out in the field of child and social services, we aim to set an example for our country and the world. As you know, some exploit child labor while others exploit children's efforts. The purpose of this symposium is to create awareness and a consciousness rooted in justice and fairness that will prevent the exploitation of children and their labor, enabling them to confidently look toward the future with competence and dignity.

“Child labor steals not just a day but a lifetime.”

Prof. Dr. Ercümend Ersanlı concluded his remarks as follows:

"Over time, with steps complementing each other, we will reach the desired goal. It must not be forgotten that this objective can only be achieved through collaboration among administration, universities, and NGOs. Child labor is not just a physical burden; it is a darkness that consumes souls. Sending a child to work instead of school steals not only a single day but their entire life. The education not received in childhood, the games not played, and the love not felt remain missing for a lifetime."

“160 million child workers worldwide, according to 2023 data.”

Rezzan Günday, a TOBB Women Entrepreneurs Council member, noted that child labor has been a persistent and growing societal issue throughout history. She explained, “Technological advancements and compulsory education have not eradicated this problem. Even in developed countries, child labor remains a significant concern. In 2023, it was reported that 160 million children worldwide are part of the labor force, equating to one in every ten children. Factors such as poverty and excessive consumerism driven by market economies are key contributors to the rise of child labor in industrialized nations.”
 
The symposium aimed to examine child labor's psychosocial and economic dimensions, develop solutions, and discuss the roles of families, communities, and governments in combating this issue. Participants explored steps to protect children through examples of national and international success stories.

The event was attended by Deputy Governor Şeref Aydın, Provincial Director of Family and Social Services Kemal Gümrükçü, TOBB Women Entrepreneurs Council member Rezzan Günday, academicians, and students.