DILI, 15 june 2022 (TATOLI) – National Commission against Child Labor, the General Labor Inspectorate, the International Labor Organization (ILO), and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) marked World Day against Child Labour in Suai and called for the immediate adoption of Timor-Leste’s National Action Plan against the Worst Forms of Child Labor, and of the list of hazardous work, which defines activities that are harmful to children.
Child labor refers to work that is harmful to children because it interferes with their schooling or negatively impacts their health and personal development. Child labor deprives children of their childhood, their potential, and their dignity.
As per the 2016 National Child Labor Survey, 52.651 children, or 12.5% of children between the ages of 5 and 17, were engaged in child labor in Timor-Leste. Of these, 19.195 children engaged in hazardous work (meaning that they work long hours, work in dangerous conditions, or carry out night work).
The Suai event included the launch of qualitative research on the drivers of child labor in Timor-Leste, supported by ILO and UNICEF.
The research confirmed that poverty is a key driver of child labor, both for the families themselves but also for employers, who do not have the means to hire adult laborers. The research also found that very few families surveyed had access to social assistance, Bolsa da Mae in particular, and for those who did, the cash assistance that they received was insufficient to prevent child labor.
Urgent action is needed to eliminate the worst forms of child labor in Timor-Leste. Universal social protection (with adequate cash assistance) is key to addressing poverty, and thus reducing child labor. Moreover, decent employment and credit schemes are needed for adults in families of child laborers. The National Action Plan against the Worst Forms of Child Labor, which presents a multisectoral response to child labor, must urgently be presented to and approved by, the Council of Ministers.
Earlier on 6 june 2022, a delegation of the same organizations had met His Excellency President Ramos Horta to brief him about the child labor situation in the country. The President has reiterated his support for the adoption of the national action plan.
Journalist: Filomeno Martins
Editor: Nelia Borges
