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Hilights Archive: July 7, 2010

Solicitation of Nominations for the United States Department of Labor's Iqbal Masih Award for the Elimination of Child Labor, July 6, 2010

On July 6, 2010, ILAB published in the Federal Register a notice soliciting nominations for The United States Department of Labor's Iqbal Masih Award for the Elimination of Child Labor psented by Secretary Hilda Solis. This award recognizes extraordinary efforts by an individual, company, organization or national government toward the reduction of the worst forms of child labor. It was established in honor of Iqbal Masih, a Pakistani carpet weaver sold into slavery at age four. He escaped from his servitude at age 12 and became an outspoken advocate against child slavery. He told the world of his plight when he received the Reebok Human Rights Award in 1994. He was tragically killed a year later at the age of 13 in his native Pakistan. The nomination period ends on August 31, 2010.

  • View the Federal Register Notice [HTML / PDF]

In view of inspiring and motivating those who are working to eliminate the worst forms of child labor, the award's two major goals are to:

  1. Honor and give public recognition to a recipient demonstrating extraordinary efforts to combat the worst forms of child labor internationally, and who shares qualities demonstrated by Iqbal Masih including leadership, courage, integrity, and a search to end the labor exploitation of children, and,
  2. Raise awareness about the worst forms of child labor internationally.

Nominees may include individuals, companies, organizations, or national governments. Nominees will be judged by the following selection criteria:

  1. Implemented extraordinary efforts that contribute towards the reduction of the worst forms of child labor.
  2. Generated positive international attention in support of efforts to reduce the worst forms of child labor.
  3. Inspired others, including young persons, to become champions against the worst forms of child labor following the spirit and example of Iqbal Masih.
  4. Fomented constructive change regarding the labor exploitation of children under great odds or at great personal cost.