Minister calls on J’cans to join fight against child labour

Minister of Labour and Social Security, Pearnel Charles Jr, is urging Jamaicans to join the fight against child labour, calling it a scourge and a major human rights violation.

The minister, who was speaking at a Job Recruitment Fair, organised by the ministry at the Montego Bay Convention Centre recently, emphasised that eradicating the problem is a collective responsibility that requires the active participation of all sectors of society.

He said that the ministry, in partnership with various agencies, will intensify community-level engagements with civil society organisations, educators, and families to raise awareness about child labour, provide support for victims, and implement preventive measures in vulnerable areas.

Minister Charles Jr shared that more than 37,000 children were exposed to child labour, according to the 2016 Youth Activity Survey of the Statistical Institute of Jamaica (STATIN).

Additionally, he pointed to the recent Child Labour Risk Model, which identified close to 54,000 children at risk of child labour.

The minister clarified that child work, when assigned by parents for domestic tasks or learning experiences, is distinct from child labour, which involves hazardous conditions or impedes a child’s education and development.

“I just want to make that distinction. There is nothing wrong in giving your child chores…; that’s recommended and is a part of growing up. The problem is when that child is taken out of school and given work alongside adults,” he added.

“We have seen far too many instances where young children have been kept out of school and are out there working, with no regard or consideration for their education. That is an example of child abuse and something we cannot allow to continue,” he added.

Charles also acknowledged the support of the International Labour Organization (ILO) and the Government of the United States in these efforts.

He urged justices of the peace, teachers, parent-teacher associations, religious leaders, civil society groups, and children to engage in sensitisation sessions, identify vulnerable areas, and report suspected cases of child labour through the 211 helpline.

The minister added that as the country continues its mission to eradicate child labour in all its forms, “the importance of a united front in protecting the rights and well-being of children across the nation couldn’t be more critical than it is today”.