Press Release
The International Federation of Women Lawyers – FIDA Nigeria, stands in solidarity with the global community on this pivotal world day against Child Labour commemorated annually on the 12th of June. This year’s observance coincides with the 25th anniversary of the adoption of the Worst Forms of Child Labour Convention 1999, and the theme “Let’s Act on Our Commitments: End Child Labour”, underscores the urgent need to unite efforts in eradicating the scourge of child labour that continues to devastate our nation in its various forms.
The plight of the Nigerian child in the face of child labour is one of profound suffering and lost potential. According to the International Labour Organisation (ILO), about 15 million children in Nigeria are trapped in child labour, with about 160 million children involved in child labour globally, representing 1 out of every 10 children. These statistics are frightening as they are not just numbers, but actual children forced into work at tender ages mostly under harsh and often dangerous conditions, deprived of their childhood and the hope of a great future.
Envision the girl-child in a rural village, rising before dawn to fetch water, cook and clean, before heading to a market to sell goods for her family’s survival. She dreams of going to school, but her day is consumed by laborious tasks that leave her exhausted and without hope for an education.
Visualise the boy child in an urban sprawl, working in a hazardous environment in a local factory, inhaling toxic fumes and handling dangerous machinery. His hands, calloused and bruised, tell a story of toil and hardship that no child should ever have to go through. His dream of a brighter and better future and endless opportunities fade with each passing day spent in labour, instead of learning.
These stories are not isolated incidents or mere imagination, but the pervasive reality for millions of Nigerian children. The COVID-19 pandemic which was closely followed by economic challenges exacerbated this crisis, plunging more families into poverty and increasing the likelihood of children being forced into work to help sustain their households.
FIDA Nigeria alarmed by this growing scourge and the severe and lasting impact of child labour on children emphasises on the dire need for change. Deprived of education, subjected to physical, emotional and sexual abuse, these children are stripped of basic rights and their dignity. The vicious cycle of poverty and exploitation not only stifles their potential but poses a significant threat to Nigeria’s socio-economic development as a nation.
Legal Framework Against Child Labour
Nigeria has established laws and ratified international conventions to combat child labour, yet implementation remains woefully inadequate. Key legal instruments include:
• Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended):
• Criminal Code Act
• The Child Rights Act (CRA) 2003: This legislation aligns with the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) and the African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child (ACRWC), setting the minimum age for employment at 18 years and guaranteeing children’s rights to education and protection from exploitation.
• Labour Act Cap L1 LFN 2004: This Act prohibits the employment of children under the age of 12 and sets stringent regulations against hazardous work for those under the age of 18.
• Trafficking in Persons (Prohibition) Law Enforcement and Administrative Act 2015
• Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Act 2015
• Cybercrime Act 2015
• Disability Act 2018: Prohibits the use of persons with disability (including children) for begging
• Compulsory, Free Universal Basic Education Act 2004
• International Labour Organisation (ILO) Conventions: Nigeria is a signatory to the ILO Convention No. 138 on the Minimum Age for Admission to Employment and Convention No. 182 on the Worst Forms of Child Labour, mandating immediate action to eradicate child labour.
• Sustainable Development Goal 8 (Target 8.7): Which calls for global commitment in adopting effective measures to eradicate and secure the elimination of child labour in all forms by the year 2025.
However, despite these robust legal frameworks, enforcement is critically lacking and at an all-time low. Factors such as inadequate resources, poor monitoring/enforcement of existing legislations on child labour and societal acceptance of child labour further perpetuate this grave issue.
Sequel to these and with the determination and commitment to stem the pervasive tide of child labour, FIDA Nigeria makes this crucial call on government, civil society organisations, international partners, public and private sectors, stakeholders and every well-meaning Nigerian to urgently address this crisis. FIDA is advocating for:
- Strengthened Enforcement: Rigorously implementing existing laws that prohibit child labour, with violators being held accountable.
- Adoption of National Policies: National policies that address the root causes and heightened proliferation of child labour.
- Universal Education: Education is a basic right, and all children should have access to quality education with removal of barriers such as school fees and safety concerns.
- Increased Awareness: Raise public consciousness and create awareness of the damaging effects of child labour and the non-negotiable protection of children’s rights.
- Economic Support: Government to provide social protection programs and financial assistance to alleviate the economic pressures that drive families to send their children to labour.
The story of the Nigerian child should not be one of labour and lost dreams. Together, let us act on our commitment to build a Nigeria where every child can learn, grow, and thrive in a safe and nurturing environment. The future of our nation certainly depends on the well-being and development of its youngest citizens. We need to collectively act to ensure that the elimination of child labour from our society becomes a reality!
FOR: FIDA Nigeria
Amina Suzanah Agbaje, (Mrs.)
Country Vice President/National President
FIDA Nigeria
#endchildlabournow
#ourchildrenourfuture
#Internationaldayagainstchildlabour
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