Charles Jr rallies Jamaicans to fight against child labour locally

In describing child labour as a scourge and a major human rights violation, Labour and Social Security Minister, Pearnel Charles Jr, has implored Jamaicans to fight against such forms of labour nationally.

The minister said stakeholders and citizens can aid in the fight by reporting suspected cases of child labour through the 211 helpline.

Charles Jr, who was speaking at a job recruitment fair that was organised by the ministry at the Montego Bay Convention Centre recently, emphasised that eradicating the problem is a collective responsibility that requires the active participation of all sectors of the society.

He said the ministry, in partnership with various agencies, will be intensifying community-level engagements with civil society organisations, educators and families to raise awareness about child labour, provide support for victims, and implement preventive measures in vulnerable areas.

More than 37,000 children were exposed to child labour, according to the 2016 Youth Activity Survey of the Statistical Institute of Jamaica (STATIN), Charles Jr informed.

Additionally, he pointed to the recent Child Labour Risk Model which identified close to 54,000 children at risk of child labour.

Charles Jr was quick to point out that child work, when assigned by parents for domestic tasks or learning experiences, is distinct from child labour, which involves hazardous conditions or impedes a child’s education and development.

"I just want to make that distinction. There is nothing wrong in giving your child chores…; that’s recommended and is a part of growing up," Charles Jr said, adding that "The problem is when that child is taken out of school and given work alongside adults."

He elaborated that, "We have seen far too many instances where young children have been kept out of school and are out there working with no regard or consideration for their education.

"That is an example of child abuse and something we cannot allow to continue," he declared.

Charles Jr called on justices of the peace, teachers, parent-teachers’ associations, religious leaders, civil society groups and children to engage in sensitisation sessions and identify vulnerable areas.

"... The importance of a united front in protecting the rights and well-being of children across the nation couldn’t be more critical than it is today," the minister stated.