The revelation that 247 children have been withdrawn from the child labour environment in Fiji since 2011 is interesting.
In fact it cuts both ways. It is encouraging in a sense, but then there is the element that makes it a concern.
It may be encouraging because children are been withdrawn from the child labour environment, and a concern because it is happening in the first place.
It is encouraging to note that stakeholders are proactively engaged to fight child labour.
However, there is emphasis on the fact that children are actually working. There is child labour, which is a concern.
Employment Minister Parveen Kumar said child labour denies girls and boys their right to quality education, to play and to be safe from harm.
He urged parents and guardians not to harm the future of their children by putting them in employment instead of education.
As parents and guardians, he said, it was important to allow children to be in education.
The ministry, he said, through the Labour Standards Services, had investigated and withdrawn 247 child labour cases from 2011 to June 1 this year.
He clarified that simple household tasks required of children after school were not regarded as child labour, but generally seen as a natural part of child development.
According to the International Labour Organization, this year’s World Day Against Child Labour focuses on the impact of crisis on child labour.
It said while the COVID-19 pandemic and the resulting economic and labour market shock were having a huge impact on people’s lives and livelihoods, it was unfortunate that children were often the first to suffer.
Already, it said, there were an estimated 152 million children in child labour, 72 million of which were in hazardous work.
Any effort to proactively fight this issue is welcomed. It is up to us to address the various issues that culminate in children making the transition into the workforce when they shouldn’t.
While awareness campaigns are important, our challenge as parents and guardians is to be part of the solution.
We should appreciate that child labour interferes with education, depriving them of the opportunity to go to school.
As we look forward to the resumption of school, we hope emphasis is focused appropriately on issues that matter.
We understand this may differ in various households given different circumstances, however, our children deserve a chance to live their dreams, hopes and aspirations.
Given the impact of COVID-19 on thousands of Fijians who have lost their jobs, being forced to take leave without pay, or work on reduced hours and with huge pay cuts, we can only hope that we also consider the importance of children been allowed to develop and grow as children.
It may be tough right now, but let’s remind ourselves that it is in our best interest that we provide our children every opportunity to develop into well-rounded citizens of our country.
