The ILO through the ARISE project organised and supported a series of events to accord various stakeholders to speak out against child labour in Zambia.
In Lusaka, the commemoration was preceded by school debates held from 6th -10th June. This was followed by the official launch and a discussion forum with various stakeholders. On the 12th and 13th June, National and District level events where held in Lusaka, Kaoma and Nkeyema Districts.
Speaking during the Official launch event in Lusaka, Deputy Minister of Labour and Social Security Ms Alfridah Kansembe, called on stakeholders support to ensure a child labour free Zambia.
Meanwhile, in rural Kaoma district, children that participated in the commemorations used the opportunity to call on parents and community leaders to end child labour practices and ensure children are retained in schools.
In one of the rural communities, children used poetry and drama to send out their message to traditional leaders and other community members urging them to demonstrate their commitment towards ending child labour practices in their communities.
Child Labour in Zambia
The global child labour situation stands at an estimated 168 million children. Around 950, 000 of these children are in Zambia, translating in just over 1 in every 3 children aged between 7 and 14 years in the country. Many child labourers in the country are found in supply chains producing for local and national consumption.
Given the large proportion of rural and informal economies in Zambia, challenges still remain of ensuring protection at institutional and household level as well as securing coverage of labour inspection, protection of workers’ organizations or the governance benefits of employers’ and producers’ organizations.
Through a Public Private Partnership with Japan Tobacco International, the International Labour Organization is currently implementing a programme to Achieve Reduction of child labour In Support of Education – ARISE – aimed at reducing worst forms of child labour in tobacco-growing communities. The programme has so far provided good demonstrations on tackling child labour in supply chains and contributing to upstream policy, regulatory and institutional frameworks for child labour elimination alongside direct intervention to prevent and withdraw children from child labour.
