Strengthening National Action to Combat the Worst Forms of Child Labour in Lebanon

This project concentrates on the progressive elimination of the worst forms of child labour in Lebanon with a specific focus on the North and the Bekaa governorates.

Background

Despite the economic growth which resulted from the reconstruction programmes in Lebanon in the 1990s, difficulties in implementing rigorous financial policies and the lack of multi-sectoral socio-economic development strategy has affected economic growth. This led to an increase in the poverty level, which in turn raised the number of children in employment. Although primary education in Lebanon is compulsory and free there is no monitoring system in place for those truant from school. Further to this, additional financial pressure on families and the poor infrastructure of schools have led to a large drop in the number of children aged 12 to 15 attending school. Political instability and the July 2006 war have contributed to an increase in the number of working children due to the severe damages which affected the education system, and the displacement of a significant number of people to areas which cannot absorb the increasing number of children.
 

Objectives

This project concentrates on the progressive elimination of the worst forms of child labour in Lebanon with a specific focus on the North and the Bekaa governorates. Its immediate objectives focus on:
  • The effective enforcement of international labour standards and national legislation by national institutions, with a specific focus on the worst forms of child labour;
  • Taking steps to eliminate child labour at the local and national levels through targeted interventions;
  • Preventing and withdrawing 1000 children from the worst forms of child labour.

Expected results

Upon completion of the project, the following results will be achieved:
  • The role of the National Steering Committee will have been expanded.
  • Child labour centers in Tripoli will have been fully staffed and operational.
  • A child labour centre in Baalbeck will be established and operationalized.
  • Labour inspectors capable of identifying and inspecting establishments that rely on child labour, and have the capacity to identify occupational risks and hazards at workplaces, will have been trained.
  • Two functional and effective Provincial Action Committees in the north and Bekaa governorates would have formed a nationwide mechanism in the fight against child labour.
  • Remedial education is expected to have been incorporated in public school programmes and methodology.
  • Capacities of municipal staff and MOL inspectors will have been built in the enforcement of child labour laws.
  • A gender-sensitive culture will have been encouraged at the governmental and community levels.
  • An Occupational Safety and Health component will have been included in vocational training programmes and modules.
  • A documentary showcasing intervention models will have been produced to complement other advocacy and awareness raising campaigns.