FIJI’S PROGRESS ON FIGHTING CHILD LABOUR RECOGNISED
THERE IS A NEED TO UNDERSTAND THE POSSIBLE INCREASE OF THIS PRACTICE DUE TO IMPACT OF COVID-19 ‘If we stay true to our pledge as a nation and strengthen our strategies for implementing programmes, policies and legislations around child labour better, we w
The UN International Year for the Elimination of Child Labour 2021 provides us this great opportunity to make sound progress within the ILO MAP-16 project funded by the US Department of Labour. Matin Karimli Director of the ILO Office for Pacific Island Countries
The United Nations has commended Fiji’s commitment to fighting child labour. They have pledged to expand co-operation through the entire UN system in support of our country’s efforts to end the practice of child labour.
Child labour has decreased by 38 per cent in the last decade, but 152 million children are still affected globally. The COVID-19 pandemic has considerably worsened the situation, but joint and decisive action can reverse this trend. “I commend the considerable work of the Government of Fiji and other partners like civil society. The work on child labour in Fiji has progressed and has resulted in the country accumulating considerable child labour expertise and experience in aligning national legislation with international standards relevant to children,” said UN Resident Co-ordinator Sanaka Samarasinha.
“All the same, there is much work still to be done and we are in this fight together to eradicate this terrible practice once and for all.”
Strong partnerships needed
The fight against child labour requires strong partnerships at global, regional, national and community level. It requires collaboration between Government, workers and employers organisations, civil society organisations, families, and international organisations.
While significant progress has been achieved, the UN Resident Co-ordinator has recommended three areas for immediate joint action with the support of the UN.
There is a need to update research on the worst forms of child labour including children in commercial sexual exploitation and drug related offences. The impact of COVID-19 with respect to the possible increase
in child labour needs to be better understood.
Secondly to raise awareness on child labour and worst forms of child labour reaching into communities across the country.
Thirdly, to finalise and approve legal and policy frameworks to eliminate child labour in line with relevant international conventions.
Government sets agendas to end child labour
Minister for Women, Children and Poverty Alleviation Mereseini Vuniwaqa said: “We all have to make it our business to ensure children are in schools and not engaging in labour. Providing for the family is only the responsibility of adults – not children. “If we stay true to our pledge as a nation and strengthen our strategies for implementing programmes, policies and legislations around child labour better, we will not only improve the lives of our children today, but also secure the lives of future generations. “I am pleased to announce that the Fijian Government is pledging the following agendas in relation to the elimination of Child Labour in Fiji: Formulation of a national child labour policy, Review of the Current National Employment Policy, Finalisation of the National Occupational Health Services Strategic Plan and Formulation of Paperless Labour Inspection Programme,” said Ms Vuniwaqa.
Praise
Director of the ILO Office for Pacific Island Countries Matin Karimli said: “Fiji has adopted legislation to prohibit employment and work of children and undertook other important and necessary steps.
“The UN International Year for the Elimination of Child Labour 2021 provides us this great opportunity to make sound progress within the ILO MAP-16 project funded by the US Department of Labour.”
UNICEF Representative for Pacific Island countries Sheldon Yett said: “In Fiji, as in other countries, our main contribution to the elimination of child labour, is the strengthening of the multi-sector child protection system to prevent and respond to child neglect, abuse and exploitation.
“This includes financial and technical support to Ministries of Women, Children and Poverty Alleviation, Health and Medical Services, Education, Heritage and Arts, iTaukei Affairs, and Fiji Police Force and the Judicial Department.”