Representatives of a children's and youth union from Peru in the Bundestag
On April 24, 2026, Johann Saathoff, Member of the German Bundestag and Parliamentary State Secretary at the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), met with Peruvian representatives of a children's and youth union, Allen Llamoca (15) and Abel Daza (35). At the invitation of Terre des Hommes they spoke in the German Bundestag about child labor, exploitation, education, and the participation of working children and young people.
That's what it was about
The discussion in Berlin highlighted the importance of listening to working children and young people. Allen and Abel spoke about their experiences in Peru: about exclusion, racism against indigenous communities, and prejudice from authorities, segments of the population, and the media. At the same time, they emphasized how crucial education is to them. Both have worked since childhood to contribute to the family income and have been campaigning against exploitation and for fair working conditions for years.
Today they are involved as elected delegates of a Latin American movement of working children and young people, representing the interests of hundreds of thousands of children and young people in the region.
Common stance
The discussion with State Secretary Saathoff was characterized by respect and a clear shared goal: to end exploitative child labor. There was also agreement that poverty and poor living conditions are key reasons why children – especially in rural regions of Latin America, Africa, and Asia – work too long and too hard, thus having fewer opportunities for education. Working children deserve to be heard and need our solidarity and support.
The core demands of Terre des Hommes
- Strengthen dialogue with working children: Children and young people must be appropriately involved in international conferences and government talks concerning their rights.
- Ensuring basic services and fair jobs: Families need jobs that provide a living wage, strong social security, free schooling and reliable healthcare.
- Recognize representatives: Children and young people who organize themselves into their own organizations deserve recognition. Decisions that affect them must take their perspectives into account.
Terre des Hommes works in solidarity, partnership, and participation with local organizations. We empower children and young people in their right to participate – so that their voices are heard and they can stand up for their rights autonomously.