Worst forms of child labour in Fiji
THE worst forms of child labour in Fiji include children in commercial sex trade, illicit activities and children in hazardous child labour.
This, according to a research study by the International Labour Organization (ILO) and Fiji partners conducted in 2010, as highlighted by the United Nations Resident Coordinator Sanaka Samarasinha during the ILO workshop on taking the next steps to eliminate child labour in Fiji.
“These worst forms include children in the commercial sex trade, mainly in prostitution and pornography; children in illicit activities such as trafficking drugs, begging, gambling; and organised robberies; and children in hazardous child labour such as deep-sea diving, collecting seafood, agriculture and sugarcane harvesting, construction, scavenging and scrap metal collection,” he said.
“Child labour below minimum age in Fiji involved children working particularly in the informal sector as well as in commercial farming — many of whom were either out of school or working after school hours.”
He said there was a need for immediate action.
“There is a need to update research on the worst forms of child labour including children in commercial sexual exploitation and drug-related offences.
“Additionally, there has never been a full national child labour survey in Fiji and this may be something to consider for Fiji and other Pacific countries.
“Secondly, we need to raise awareness on child labour and worst forms of child labour using existing platforms.
“Thirdly, to finalise and approve legal and policy framework to eliminate child labour and the worst forms of child labour in line with relevant international conventions including submission for endorsement.”