ANTANANARIVO, Madagascar, June 11, 2013 /PRNewswire/ --

Ahead of the World Day Against Child Labour, Presidential Candidate Lalao Ravalomanana has urged the importance of protecting Madagascar's children and the right of all young people to a proper education and childhood.

"As a country, Madagascar has long taken a stance against child labour and there are rightly strict penalties for those who exploit children for financial gain. In difficult economic times we must continue to stand against this terrible issue and ensure that all our children are protected.

"The children of Madagascar are the future of our nation, and without proper nurture, the economic growth and development of our country will be at risk. We must not let the hopes and dreams of this country be trampled on by the exploitation of children.

"Every child has a right to a future full of hope and free from abuse. We must invest long-term in the Malagasy generation of tomorrow rather than think about the short-term gains that have been found to cause them harm. In 2009, there were 1.8 million children between the ages 5 and 17 years working in hazardous occupations, according to the International Labour Organisation (ILO). It is time for all of us to take responsibility for protecting Madagascar's children.

"As candidate for the Mouvance Ravalomanana, I pledge that a government led by me will fight against child labour. We will do everything we can to reduce the number of children currently working and focus on ensuring that all our young people get a proper education.

"The Mouvance supports the international efforts of the UN and believes that working in unity is the only way to guarantee a real change. When the election comes we must unite as one nation to save our country's precious future."

Notes to editor:

Madame Lalao Ravalomanana is the Presidential Candidate for the Mouvance Ravalomanana, a growing coalition of political parties dedicated to bringing a secure, peaceful and prosperous future to Madagascar. For high resolution images free to download, visit the Mouvance Ravalomanana Flickr page: http://www.flickr.com/photos/96646855@N04/

Contact: Serge Reuter, +261-34-07-200-77

SOURCE Ravalomanana 2013