Press Statement:
ZimRights Commemorates International Day Against Child Labour
As we mark the International Day Against Child Labour, ZimRights stands in solidarity with the global community in celebrating the 25th anniversary of the adoption of the ILO Convention No. 182 on the Worst Forms of Child Labour. This landmark convention, which achieved universal ratification in 2020, represents a collective commitment to eradicating the exploitation of children in the most hazardous and inhumane forms of work.
This year’s theme, “Let’s act on our commitments: End Child Labour!”, is a clarion call for all stakeholders to renew their dedication to this cause. The persistence of child labour, particularly in its worst forms, is a blight on our conscience and a barrier to the development of our nation’s most precious resource – our children.
The Global Context of Child Labour Since 2000, the world had been making steady progress in reducing child labour. However, recent years have seen a reversal of this trend due to conflicts, crises, and the COVID-19 pandemic, which have plunged more families into poverty and forced millions more children into child labour. Economic growth has not been sufficient, nor inclusive enough, to counteract the pressures that too many families and communities face, leading them to resort to child labour. Today, 160 million children are still engaged in child labour, which is almost one in ten children worldwide according to United Nations.
Child labour deprives children of their childhood, their potential, and their dignity. It is incompatible with the right to education and is often an impediment to national development. As we observe this significant day, we must reflect on the progress made and the journey ahead.
Recommendations by ZimRights:
Strengthen Legal Frameworks: We urge the Government of Zimbabwe to expedite the amendment of the Labour Act to increase penalties for child labour violations and to ensure that our national laws are in full alignment with international standards.
Enhance Enforcement: We call for improved resources and capacity building for law enforcement agencies to effectively enforce child labour laws and protect the rights of children.
Promote Education: We recommend increased investment in educational infrastructure, particularly in rural areas, to ensure all children have access to quality education, as stated in Section 75 of the Constitution of Zimbabwe.
Support Families: To address the root causes of child labour, we advocate for comprehensive social protection programs that support families in crisis, thereby reducing the need to resort to child labour as a coping mechanism.
Raise Awareness: ZimRights commits to ongoing advocacy and awareness campaigns to highlight the issue of child labour and mobilize communities to take action against it.
As we commemorate the World Day Against Child Labour, let us recommit ourselves to the goal of a Zimbabwe free from child labour. Together, we can turn our commitments into action and ensure that every child enjoys the right to a safe, healthy, and educated future.
ZimRights remains steadfast in its mission to advocate for the rights of children and to contribute towards a future where no child is left behind. We stand ready to work with all stakeholders to make the elimination of child labour a reality.
Issued by
ZimRights Information Department
