On the occasion of the celebration of the World Day against Child Labor celebrated on June 12 of each year, the African Movement of Working Children and Youth (AMWCY) in collaboration with Enda Youth Action, held an online conference on Tuesday, June 15, 2021 under the theme « Conflicts, child labor and challenges of the implementation of the Agenda 2040 for an Africa Fit for Children ». To reduce the worst forms of child labor, the AMWCY relies on the charters of the Agenda 2040.
The AMWCY organized this Webinar on the sidelines of the celebration of June 12 on the elimination of the worst forms of child labor and June 16, the Day of the African Child, to both mark this day and raise awareness on the situation of children in Africa.
It was also a question of calling on decision-makers at all levels to act in favor of a united and united Africa in a peaceful climate in order to facilitate the implementation of the Agenda 2040 for an Africa Fit for Children. The AMWCY took the opportunity to present its Flyer entitled « Enough is enough, it must stop! This Flyer is a cry from the heart of children that the Movement has decided to transmit to regional institutions, African Heads of State, actors, etc. for a better protection of the continent’s children. The financial and technical partners of the AMWCY, notably the representatives of the member organizations of the RGCP (Regional Group for Child Protection) of which the AMWCY is a member, participated in this Webinar.
The causes of the anomaly
Sub-Saharan Africa is the most affected region in the world: 1 in 5 children in Africa is engaged in child labor. However, this scourge affects all countries, with the prevalence of child labor ranging from 3% to 7% worldwide. Considered as a normal fact in Africa, child labor is often linked to the issue of abuse of power over children. One of the main causes of this phenomenon is conflict.
The factors of child labor are multiple. When children are displaced by war, they are forced to change their way of life. Poverty forces parents to send their children to work in order to provide for the needs of the whole family, the absence of birth certificates for children, who cannot prove their identity and age in the face of illegal exploitation, difficult access to schooling and a failing education system (school fees, violence at school or on the way to school, The low level of education and information of parents, who are unaware of the negative impact of work on their child, but also of the legislation on child labor in force and the positive impact of education, the interest of employers where children are a « cheap » workforce. They may also meet specific requirements to perform certain tasks (mining, carpet weaving, etc.), humanitarian crises related to natural disasters or conflict, which exacerbate the vulnerability of children and the transgression of existing legislation. So many factors are at the origin of this phenomenon. During this conference, the AMWCY informed that through the influence of its different partners, it is trying to establish a list in accordance with its mission in order to find solutions to this problem.
Good governance: a solution according to the speakers
Many of the speakers at this conference argued that good governance is the ultimate recourse that could abolish this scourge.
« We do not have the power to act directly » said one of the speakers who continued his remarks by urging NGOs and influential organizations to spare no effort to claim the cause of these children by complying with the standards of the Agenda 2040 whose main objective is to restore the dignity of the African child by assessing the achievements and challenges encountered for the effective implementation of the African Children’s Charter. The Agenda, by deepening paragraph 53 of Agenda 2063, intends to establish long-term strategies that will help sustain and protect the rights of children in Africa. The overall objective is to broaden the important goals and priority areas to which the respective member states and the African Union are committed for the next 25 years.
The issue of recruitment of children by armed groups is raised at this conference. As such, the Agenda sets out ten solid aspirations to be achieved by 2040 and provides a brief background with an in-depth look at specific issues. The document also identifies actions to be taken by member states for the first period of the five-phase, 25-year journey ahead.
The thrust of the Agenda 2040
The African Children’s Charter, as overseen by the African Children’s Committee, provides an effective continental framework for advancing children’s rights, An effective and child-friendly national legislative, policy and institutional framework is in place in all member states, Every child’s birth and other vital statistics are registered, Every child survives and has a healthy childhood, Every child grows up well-nourished and has access to the basic necessities of life, Every child benefits fully from quality education, Every child is protected from violence, exploitation, neglect and abuse, Children benefit from a child-friendly penal system, Every child is protected from the impact of armed conflict and other disasters or emergencies, The views of African children matter.
Meet these children, try to understand the causes of their involvement in these activities that are beyond their capacities
The policy of equity for all children
This conference revealed the role that the child must play in this situation. To make the child understand that he/she must impose limits and not accept certain conditions. The AMWCY intends to continue its efforts to implement the policy of equity for all children, i.e. to be born and grow up in good conditions, to enjoy their full rights to develop, while helping their communities to develop harmoniously in peace and in a favorable environment. In accordance with its mission which is to inform and train children on their rights and carry out actions to realize them. To fight against African poverty and that of its communities. To contribute to the development of children’s participation as well as solidarity and fraternity among them and among all the populations of Africa. Child labor remains a current issue that is growing in the world and in Africa. This situation is exacerbated by the multifaceted, multidimensional and multisectoral conflicts and crises that the continent has been experiencing for decades. Indeed, armed conflicts, inter-country or inter-community wars, terrorism and so many other barbaric acts have plunged the continent into total insecurity at all levels, with all the consequences that this has on the lives of the population, especially children. Because of their vulnerability, children are exposed to violence, trafficking, abuse, dropping out of school, exploitation of their labor or the worst forms of labor, disease, malnutrition; some of them do not even have the chance to go to school.
152 million children work in the world
According to the International Labour Organization, 152 million children work in the world. More than half of them are victims of the worst forms of labor. (Slavery, use in armed conflicts, prostitution, waste sorting, drug trafficking, work in mines…). Based on these figures, the AMWCY intends to continue its advocacy for children at the level of civil society organizations and state authorities so that their rights are heard and respected. But also to organize awareness campaigns and to carry out actions in favor of children who constitute the future of the world.
