Child labour claims under investigation
THE Ministry of Social Affairs, Veterans and Youth Rehabilitation, along with the Ministry of Labour and Vocational Training, is set to conduct a comprehensive investigation addressing the issue of child labour in brick kilns.
The investigation follows a report by rights group LICADHO, which alleges children are employed in some of the Kingdom’s brick-making enterprises.
Em Chanmakara, spokesman for the social affairs ministry, said on November 21 that although the ministry has not yet received the specific report from LICADHO, it is committed to investigating the matter, in collaboration with the labour ministry. He reiterated that neither the government nor the ministry condone any instance of child labour.
He said Cambodia, being a signatory to the Convention on the Rights of the Child, remains dedicated to combating such practices.
“The ministry does not endorse employing children below the age of 18. Engaging children under this age in labour contradicts the principles outlined in the Convention on the Rights of the Child,” he added.
He explained that the social affairs ministry and its specialised departments closely monitor the promotion of the principles outlined in the treaty. However, some workplaces, particularly in brick enterprises and domestic work or flower sales, still covertly utilise child labour.
The report from LICADHO, titled “Bound by Bricks: An Opportunity to End Debt Bondage and Child Labour in Cambodia’s Bricks Factories,” published on November 20, and claimed to reveal persistent debt bondage and child labour in the nation’s brick making sector.
The findings, based on a study conducted from April to September 2023 at 21 brick factories across Kandal province and Phnom Penh, detail several challenges of child labour in the region.
“Conversations, combined with indepth interviews with 10 workers, confirm that debt bondage is still prevalent in the industry and low-wage payments based on the number of brick kilns continue to encourage children as young as nine to work in brickmaking handicrafts,” said the report.
Am Sam Ath, operations director at LICADHO, claimed that the debts incurred by brick workers with kiln owners represent a widespread form of illegal debt bondage, necessitating the immediate cancellation of such debts. He also said that children under the age of 18 should not engage in formal or informal work in brick making.
“I urge all stakeholders to cease these practices immediately. Workers should be released from the obligation to provide labour solely to settle debts. Additionally, there is a pressing need to enhance and effectively enforce laws concerning child labour,” Sam Ath said.
Katta Orn, labour ministry spokesperson, noted that the government remains vigilant in ensuring the effective enforcement of labour laws across all factories, companies and public and private institutions.
He explained that between 2021 and 2023, the ministry has actively worked to eradicate child labour, including through rigorous inspections of factories and enterprises. Additionally, there has been a concerted effort to prevent the employment of children in activities like brick making and other hazardous industries.
“The ministry investigates any allegations against the owners of any businesses which employ child labour or engage in the most severe violations of labour laws. Offenders may face fines, business closure or potential criminal charges,” he said.
He urged civil society organisations and the public to report all instances of child labour, enabling the ministry to promptly intervene and take necessary action.