International Research on Working Children

The Foundation for International Research on Working Children (IREWOC) was established in 1992 to conduct anthropological qualitative research on child labour, to raise awareness and influence policy concerning this complex issue. IREWOC research takes a child-centred and holistic approach, exploring children’s own views and opinions within the wider context of poverty and unequal development. Its normative framework is based on established international agreements, particularly the ILO Conventions 138 and 182, and the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child. IREWOC responds to the ever-increasing demand for policy-relevant knowledge. Research is conducted in close collaboration with governmental and non-governmental organisations active in the field of child labour. Working directly with policy makers is the most effective way to close the gap between scientific research and policy design. IREWOC research is funded by a host of Dutch and international NGOs and Dutch Ministries. These contacts, and IREWOC’s membership to multiple theme-based discussion platforms, greatly help to improve the child labour project.