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Child Labour


At the 87th Session of the International Labour Conference two new instruments were adopted with a view to bringing about the abolition of child labour particularly in its most extreme forms. Convention No. 182 on the Worst forms of Child Labour (supplemented by Recommendation No. 190) has been included as the eighth fundamental ILO Convention.

The objective is to help to bring about the gradual abolition of child labour by enhancing the capacity of countries to tackle the problem. The target groups are children in a state of servitude, children employed in dangerous conditions and sectors, and particularly vulnerable children, i.e. children below the age of 12 and particularly girls.

The ratification of the new Convention in the sub-region is the prime focus of SAMAT’s efforts in  the area of child labour. The Team has already played an active role leading to the ratification of  Convention No. 182 by Botswana, Malawi, South Africa and Zimbabwe. Through close co-operation with its Constituents SAMAT will  promote Convention No. 182 in the remaining countries by:

  • Informing them of the campaign for universal ratification and advising them on the implementation of  Conventions Nos. 138 and 182,  

  • Undertaking research about ratification prospects, identification of possible obstacles, and

  • Giving assistance in order to overcome any such obstacles.

These efforts are being supplemented by the support from ILO’s Infocus Programme on the Progressive elimination of child labour and promoting development.  The aim of the programme is to reduce child labour and promote development by pursuing efforts to extend and build on the work of the International Programme for Elimination of Child Labour (IPEC).  Child Labour is a complex issue mainly rooted in poverty and ignorance.  All initiatives need careful consideration, particularly when the problem is viewed within the combined interactive context of poverty, economic deprivation, parental unemployment and the HIV/AIDS dimension. 

For more detailed information on ILO's and SAMAT's activities in the area of child labour please read 

For further information, please contact Mr. Jackson NKURLU.

 

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Updated by PR/MK/TG Approved by FLE. Last update: 20 August 2002