They are also Parents They Are Also Parents - A Study on Migrant Workers

CCR CSR | A Study on Migrant Workers with Left-behind Children in China | August 2013 6.3 NGO support CCR CSR | A Study on Migrant Workers with Left-behind Children in China | August 2013 43 Foreword 7. CSR and existing support for worker parents 46 7.1 Multinational companies, suppliers and business management are yet “Corporate Social Responsibility and children are like fish and water. If to embrace CSR and children’s rights businesses fails to carry out CSR programs or protect migrant workers’, how 46 can they safeguard the rights and interests of children?” 7.2. Businesses have a limited level of knowledge about the relationship between CSR and the rights of children 48 —HR manager References 52 China’s vast internal migration – more than 260 million people who left home Appendix 1 54 in search of work – is a story of hope but also of endurance and difficult Case 1: Schooling for children is still a problem 54 reality. While for many, the move has brought improved financial situation and Case 2: One family in three places feels bad 57 opportunities, it also came at a price of significant hardship to the workers Case 3: I want to be part of your life 59 and their families. More than 61 million children are currently left-behind in Case 4: No matter how difficult, children should be close at hand 61 their hometowns by the parents, unable to provide for their upbringing and Case 5: I want to see my daughter grow up 63 education in the large cities and industrial zones. In their own words The separation results in a common sense of failure and anxiety for the Appendix 2 66 parents and often in broken relationships with their children. It also leads to Case 1: I want to know how my dad’s doing 66 significant challenges for the companies hoping to maintain an efficient and Case 2: I talk to my toy bear when I feel sad 68 stable workforce. More than 40% of parents we have interviewed have left Case 3: I forgot what my father looks like 70 work out of concern of their children and 9% have done so often. Case 4: I will take my children with me 72 Case 5: Dad, I love you 74 Voices of left-behind children Business can play an important role in improving the situation of the workers. In May 2012 UN Global Compact, UNICEF and Save the Children have launched a set of 10 principles (known as ‘Child Rights and Business Principles’) designed to guide business in promoting child rights in its operations. The findings of our report aim to provide further basis for action, including development of relevant CSR and human resources strategies. As CCR CSR we are grateful for the trust which all participating parents, young workers and children have shown in sharing their stories, as well as for the initiative and leadership of our research partner, the Facilitator. Our thanks 2 3

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