Child labour remains a pressing issue that plagues West African leaders as they strive to find effective solutions to this detrimental practice, which robs young individuals of their rights to education, dignity, and equal opportunities. In the face of resource constraints, regional leaders are now collaborating with international organizations to raise awareness and mobilize funds to address this scourge. The partnership between the Parliament of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) is a significant step towards safeguarding the rights of children in the region.
Understanding Child Labour and Its Impact
The International Labour Organization (ILO) defines child labour as work that deprives children of their childhood, potential, and dignity while impeding their physical and mental development. Shockingly, nearly 1 in 10 children worldwide is subjected to child labour, with some being forced into hazardous work through trafficking, according to the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF). In response, ECOWAS Parliament and IPU have joined forces to combat any form of child abuse in the region.
Commitment to Eradicating Child Labour
During the ongoing First Ordinary Session of the ECOWAS Parliament in Abuja, Dr Sidie Tunis, the Speaker of ECOWAS Parliament, highlighted the collaborative efforts between IPU and partners to address child labour. Dr Tunis emphasized that distinguishing child labour from age-appropriate activities could be challenging. However, child neglect remains the most prevalent form of abuse, leading to the vulnerability of children and the infringement of their rights. Neglect forces children into activities that jeopardize their health, education, and overall development.
Protective Instruments and the Need for Political Will
Dr Tunis emphasized the existence of protective instruments such as ILO Conventions No.138 and No.182, which establish minimum ages for admission to employment and outline measures for eliminating the worst forms of child labour. Despite these provisions, Dr Tunis expressed concern about the insufficient political will among leaders to combat child labour. However, he assured the parliament’s commitment to deliberate on reports related to child labour during ordinary sessions, taking appropriate actions and referring matters to the relevant institutions when necessary.
IPU’s Support and the Challenge Ahead
Mr Martin Chungong, the Secretary-General of the IPU, reiterated the organization’s readiness to support ECOWAS in its fight against child labour. Chungong emphasized the importance of prioritizing child rights and addressing child trafficking and labour. Despite the existence of conventions and protocols, child labour and trafficking continue to plague the region, exacerbated by the rising poverty rates and the adverse impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. It is crucial for West African countries to combat poverty, prioritize child rights, and invest in education, science, technology, and innovation to effectively tackle child labour.
The partnership between ECOWAS Parliament and IPU marks a significant step forward in the region’s efforts to combat child labour. With a shared commitment to eradicating this harmful practice, West African countries must address poverty and ensure the promotion of child rights through quality education. By investing in their economies and fostering innovation, the region can pave the way for a brighter future, free from the scourge of child labour.
