As Nigeria joins the Global Community to commemorate the 2023 World Day Against Child Labour, the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has called on the government and other stakeholders including parents, guardians and operators of businesses especially in the agricultural, construction and mining industries to desist from all forms of child labour in line with the extant labour laws.
The Executive Secretary of the Commission, Chief Tony Ojukwu OFR, SAN, FICMC who made this call on the eve of the 2023 celebration of Word Day Against Child Labour reminded the stakeholders of the 2022 Durban Call to Action on the Elimination of Child Labour, particularly as it relates to scaling up action to end child labour in the agricultural sector, which reportedly records the highest number of child labour worldwide.
The Chief Executive Officer of the NHRC also drew public attention to Section 34 (1)(c) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federation Republic of Nigeria (As Amended) which provides that "No person shall be required to perform forced or compulsory labour), therefore children who are considered to be the most vulnerable group are supposed to be adequately protected by this law.
The legal luminary made references to International Labour Convention (ILO) No. 138 on minimum age for work and ILO Convention No. 182 on Worst forms of Child Labour which provide children with legal protection against child labour.
Buttressing the need for child's protection in line with the global development index, the Executive Secretary urged the stakeholders to work collaboratively towards the realization of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 8.7 which targets to end child labour in all ramifications by 2025.
According to the Chief Human Rights Officer of Nigeria, the theme of 2023 celebration, "Social Justice for All", is apt as it underscores the need for equal opportunities, non-discrimination and inclusiveness in any society, which in turn enables families and communities to provide the socio-economic needs of children, such as feeding, health care and education etc without subjecting them to any form of child labour.
He regretted the impact of insurgency, communal clashes, COVID -19 pandemic etc over the years in some developing countries including Nigeria, saying that such occurrences have exacerbated poverty and hunger thereby increasing child labour within and outside the homes.
The NHRC Boss therefore expressed concern that over 160 million children are said to be engaged in child labour globally which unfortunately deprives them of education and affects their chances of securing a decent and stable employment when they become adults.
The Commission used the opportunity to commend the federal government's Universal Basic Education Act 2004 and its Primary Schools Feeding Programme across the federation, saying that such are giant steps to ensure free,compulsory and quality education at primary and junior secondary school levels, urging parents and guardians to support their implementation.
Word Day Against Child Labour is observed on the 12th of June annually.
