The overall objective of the survey was to generate data on magnitude of employment and child labour among children of 5 to 17 years of age, as well as the nature of work they perform, their working conditions, potential risks and effects of employment on health and education of children. The survey has produced reliable information for the development of the child protection policy and strategy. It also allowed to assess progress in the implementation of the ILO Conventions № 138 and № 182 as compared to the data of the previous NCLS (2007). The survey has considerably strengthened national capacity in statistical measuring of child labour in accordance with the international standards.

The roundtable was attended  the members of the Parliament, Government, social partners, civil society, international organizations and media.

Key findings of the survey

The survey has revealed a sustainable downward trend in the number of children involved in child labour: from 32.9 percent in 2007 to 27.8 percent in 2014. As compared to 2007, child labor declined by more than 68,000 to 414,246. Despite the overall decline, the percentage of children in hazardous child labor grew from 12.5 percent in 2007 to 18.6 percent in 2014. In 2014 as compared to 2007, the number of those involved in hazardous forms of child labor grew by more than 93,000 to 276,218. The share of hazardous child labour increased due to a higher number of children aged 6-13 who lift heavy weights in excess of the set limits. Lifting heavy weights is typical for both boys and girls; however, rural children are more exposed to this form of hazardous work. Other indicators of hazards for working children are declining. In 2014, the share of children involved in hazardous child labour and exposed to at least two types of hazards has declined significantly – by 14.6 percent as compared to 2007.

Quotes by roundtable participants:

“Despite the decrease of child labour rate, there is still high incidence of child labour and hazardous child labour in the country. The updated statistics clearly indicate gaps and priorities for all of us. I strongly call on the government and non-governmental organizations to actively use the data in addressing the issue.”
(Nataliya Nikitenko, Deputy of the Parliament of the Kyrgyz Republic).

“Child labour issues have been mainstreamed into the legislation and main policy documents such as Constitution of the Kyrgyz Republic, the Code on Children, the National Sustainable Development Programme and Plan for 2013-2017, the Social Protection Programme for 2015-2017 and others. The findings of the National Child Labour Survey are very timely to adjust the policy and plan the relevant interventions. Assistance provided by the International Labour Organization is very valuable for the country”.
(Kalima Mamatova, Expert of the Social Policy Department, Administration of the President of the Kyrgyz Republic).