In Madagascar, like Tenasoa, there are around 10,000 children who are employed in the mica industry without proper regulations. Mica is used in various products like paint, car parts, and cosmetics to create a “shimmer” effect.
These children, along with their parents and grandparents, work in hazardous conditions, inhaling harmful dust particles and working in unstable tunnels. Most of them have either dropped out of school or never had the opportunity to attend.
Tenasoa’s grandfather, Soja, stated that they have no choice but to work in order to survive. This is a sentiment shared by many families around the world.
In 2015, the United Nations set a goal to end child labour globally by 2025. However, according to the Child Labour Report released by the International Labour Organization (ILO) and the UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF), progress has been slow and inconsistent.
The report estimates that there are still 138 million children involved in child labour, which is a decrease of 12 million from 2020. This has led both ILO and UNICEF to call for urgent action to accelerate progress.
ILO Director-General Gilbert F. Houngbo said that while there is hope and progress has been made, there is still a long way to go. Since 2000, the number of children in child labour has decreased by over 100 million, showing that there is a plan in place to end child labour. However, there is still much work to be done.
UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell stated that despite the promising decrease, there are still far too many children working in hazardous conditions in mines, factories, and fields.
It is important to note that child labour does not refer to all work done by children. It specifically refers to work that deprives children of their childhood and is harmful to their health and development.
ILO child labour expert Benjamin Smith emphasized that child labour is not the same as children helping their parents with household chores. It often involves hazardous work that puts children’s well-being at risk.
Out of the 138 million children in child labour, 54 million are working in dangerous conditions, including mines.
One of these children is 13-year-old Honorine, who works in a gravel quarry in Benin from 10am to 5pm every day. She is paid based on the number of buckets of gravel she collects and is saving her earnings to become a hairdresser in the future.
The report also highlights that child labour is intergenerational, meaning children who are involved in child labour often struggle to access education. This compromises their future opportunities and creates a cycle of poverty and deprivation.
ILO expert Federico Blanco, who is also the lead author of the Child Labour Report, stressed the importance of not just looking at child labour as a statistic. He reminded us that behind every number is a child whose rights to education, protection, and a decent future are being denied.
Nur, a 13-year-old Rohingya refugee in Bangladesh, was pulled out of school by his parents to help support the family financially. However, a case worker at a UNICEF-funded centre convinced his family to send him back to school.
Nur shared that he once dreamed of becoming a teacher but thought it was impossible. Now, he feels that he can achieve his dream with the opportunity to learn.
The report calls for integrated policy solutions that address child labour from an educational, economic, and social perspective. It also highlights that ending child labour cannot be achieved without addressing the root causes, such as poverty.
Mr Smith emphasized the importance of looking at child labour holistically and ensuring that adults also have good working conditions. Poverty is a major factor in child labour, and it is crucial to address it in order to end child labour.
Taking a country-driven approach is essential, especially considering the regional disparities in child labour. The report noted that while all regions have seen a decrease in child labour, Sub-Saharan Africa still accounts for two-thirds of child labour worldwide.
However, efforts to end child labour are facing significant challenges due to funding shortages. UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell stated that global funding cuts could reverse the progress made. She urged for a recommitment to ensure that children are in school and not working.
Adwara, a 10-year-old boy, dreams of going to school. He attended for a few years but had to balance work and school. Eventually, his teacher told him not to return as he was missing too much school. Now, he works in a gold mine in Ethiopia, earning around $35 per day. He shared that he wants to go to school and become someone in the future.