Child rights defenders have expressed concern that child labour and sexual abuse undermines children’s rights to life, health, education and security.
Speaking during an exclusive interview with Education News. International Labour Organization (ILO) Head of Regional Project, Grace Banya termed child labour is a manifestation of social injustice, perpetuating inequality, poverty and a violation of children’s rights.
She added that child labour deprives children of their childhood, education and fundamental liberties, further noting that the injustice affects individuals and undermines the progress of societies.
“To achieve social justice, we must confront the root causes of child labour and work collectively towards its elimination in African countries. To effectively combat it, we must address the systematic inequalities that perpetuate its existence,” she said, adding that poverty, lack of access to education, discrimination and social exclusion are among the key factors that force children into the vice.
She added that addressing the structural issues will enable the creation of an environment that fosters social justice and provides equal opportunities for all children to grow and learn.
Banya said that education is the cornerstone of social justice since it provides a pathway out of poverty and exploitation among children.
She called on the government to prioritize investment in education by ensuring that it is inclusive, accessible to all and free from discrimination.
The lobby head said that there is need for a strong legal framework to combat child labour in Kenya urging the government to enact and enforce laws that protect children from exploitation.
“Employers and trade unions must work together to promote fair labour practices, ensure fare wages and establish social protection systems that support families and contribute to a just society,” she said.
According to the Ministry of Education report 2022- 2023, 15,680 children have quit school due to child labour and poverty.
Banya noted that Bungoma’s proximity to the porous Malaba border had enhanced children’s exportation.
She added that to tame such incidences, ILO is working with relevant organizations along the border to ensure that children aren’t exported.
“We’re also concerned that child traffickers have now moved online where they abuse children,” she lamented, adding that policies need to be put in place to curb such moves.
Deputy Labour Commissioner Bonaya Kase said that the government has put in place strategies to ensure child labour issues are addressed.
Bungoma County Executive Committee member for Gender, Culture, Youth and Sports Agnes Naliaka said the county is drafting a child protection policy which has already gone through public participation.
Bungoma County Child Rights Network (BCCRN) Chairman David Lupao said the government should set up places within the county to assess the magnitude of child labour.
He also called on all children rights defenders to work jointly and ensure children’s rights are protected.
By Our Reporter
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