The Amsterdam-based foundation for International Research on Working Children (IREWOC) was established in 1992 by professor Jaap Doek and professor Sjef Teuns in order to generate more research on child labour, to raise awareness and motivate action around this complex issue. This is done by means of education, anthropological research, publications, consultancy and conferences.  

It has developed into a professional organization which is closely in touch both with the academic world and with development practitioners. IREWOC looks at the issue of child labour from the perspective of child rights and with a focus on the socio-cultural and economic environment.

In order to understand child labour situations, it is necessary to look at the wider context of the living conditions of children and their families. Our focus is therefore not only on studying the specific situation of child labourers, but also the general situation of children living in adverse conditions.

IREWOC has a strategic alliance with Plan Nederland, the Dutch branch of Plan International, which is a major child-focused development aid organization with an approach based on protection and participation.

IREWOC works closely with governmental and non-governmental organisations active in the field of child labour. By collaborating with the policy makers, we attempt to close the gap between scientific research and policy design.

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Director:
In 2003, a Chair of Child Labour Studies was established at the University of Amsterdam. The chair was an initiative of the International Institute of Social History with which IREWOC cooperates in setting up a child labour archive. The appointment of IREWOC Director Prof. Dr. G.C.M. Lieten to occupy that chair linked IREWOC with the University of Amsterdam and the IISG. Modules on child labour are now offered at the university and workshops are organised for child-centred development aid organisations and others.  
 

The University of Amsterdam appoints the first professor of child labour The IREWOC Director Kristoffel Lieten is Professor of Child Labour Studies, with a particular focus on the sociological and historical aspects, at the University of Amsterdam and at the International Institute of Social History. He is also senior lecturer at the University of Amsterdam/Faculty of Social and Behavioural Sciences and at the Amsterdam School of Social Science Research where he teaches Development Sociology and Child Labour. Read more: Interview Kristoffel Lieten in Herald Tribune

Board:
The daily management of IREWOC is in the hands of the Director. Overall policy matters are supervised by the Board, with Professor emeritus Jan Breman as its chairman and Frits Brok as treasurer. Stan Meuwese, Frans Röselaers are the other members.

Advisory Board:
The members of the scientific advisory committee are:
Professor Jaap Doek, Professor Lex Heerma van Voss, Professor Annemiek Richters, Professor Paul van der Heijden, and Professor Jan Pronk.

Staff:
Currently, the following researchers are working on different projects, either in the IREWOC office or in the field:

In addition, other researchers from various institutes and universities around the world (India, Pakistan, Uganda, Mexico, Vietnam, Peru, Nicaragua, Bolivia, Brazil) collaborate with the IREWOC projects.

Cooperation:
IREWOC has a strategic alliance with Plan in the Netherlands and actively cooperates with other child-centred development aid organisations.