Children Searching for Their Childhood
Child Labor Is A Phenomenon That Is Worsening Daily. Are There Any Solutions to Reduce It?
Dr. Haifa’ Salam to the MECC Media: It is necessary to develop a national strategy for social protection in Lebanon
Exclusive: Media of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC)
A phenomenon unlike any other social phenomenon... a phenomenon that affects the rights of the most vulnerable groups... They are the children searching for their childhood in street corners, factories, mines, agricultural lands, and deserts... searching for rights that have been taken away from them under a scorching sun, bitter cold, and the worst conditions a person can experience. The reason?
They were forced to work! They were forced to give up the innocence of childhood to face the harshness of life.
Child labor is nothing but the murder of a childhood deprived of play, entertainment, proper upbringing, and education.
A dangerous reality that we cannot ignore. Who bears responsibility for the danger they are exposed to? And is there anyone who listens to their pain?
Violation of International Law
In light of this stark reality, the alarm must be sounded, especially since child labor, according to the United Nations, is a violation of international law and national legislation. It either deprives children of education or requires them to shoulder the double burden of school and work.
Naturally, international law prohibits this phenomenon, that is divided into three categories, according to the United Nations, which has designated June 12 as a special day against child labor in its international calendar.
First, the worst forms of child labor are internationally recognized as slavery, human trafficking, debt bondage, and other forms of forced labor and forced recruitment of children, particularly in armed conflict, sexual exploitation, and illicit activities.
Do you see how thousands of children around the world are at risk?
Secondly, this phenomenon manifests in any work performed by a child under the minimum age for such work, as defined by national legislation and in accordance with recognized international standards. This is not to mention work that impedes a child's education and full development.
Third, child labor may threaten their physical, mental, and moral health, whether due to the nature of the work or the conditions under which it is implemented, a phenomenon known as “hazardous work”.
The Reality in Lebanon
The Middle East is not immune to this phenomenon, or even to this humanitarian catastrophe. In Lebanon, for example, many families suffer from daily pressures that may push their young children to work to secure an income that may ease the family's burdens.
In an exclusive interview with the Middle East Council of Churches’ media, Dr. Haifa’ Salam, a Professor of Political Sociology at the Lebanese University, points out that the phenomenon of child labor in Lebanon has worsened, particularly since 2019, with the exacerbation of the economic crisis and security incidents in the country, in addition to the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic and the Syrian refugee crisis.
As a result, families face extreme poverty and are unable to meet the necessary expenses to provide their children's needs, even school fees and healthcare requirements. Therefore, the most appropriate solution for parents is to send their children into the labor market so they can support them. There, they are exposed to all kinds of risks and violence, which instills in them values that are unhealthy for building better societies.
Laws and Solutions
On the legal side, Dr. Haifa’ explains that Lebanese law allows children from the age of 13 to work, specifying the appropriate types of occupations. Noting that many of jobs threaten children's mental and physical health or are even inconsistent with their strength, physical build, and age group.
Practically speaking, Dr. Haifa’ focuses on the need for concerted efforts between the state and relevant ministries, as well as between civil society, governmental, and non-governmental organizations. She also emphasizes the importance of media awareness and awareness campaigns, especially among parents, amidst clear cultural disparities.
In this context, coordination between the relevant Ministries, the Ministry of Social Affairs, the Ministry of Labor, the Ministry of Justice, and the Ministry of Interior and Municipalities, has become essential. This can be achieved through various ways, including the establishment of a body to address the issue and coordinate tasks among the four Ministries, with the participation of civil society.
Proposals and Recommendations
Through a study she conducted, Dr. Haifa’ arrived at several solutions and recommendations regarding social protection, which contribute to reduce the phenomenon of child labor. First, she mentioned the need to review and develop the National Poverty Targeting Program to respond more effectively to the impact of the economic, financial, and health crises. This is in addition to prioritizing the provision of social assistance for the vulnerable groups.
Furthermore, Dr. Haifa’ highlights the importance of revitalizing labor market policies and providing incentives to create new job opportunities. She also emphasizes the development and adoption of a national social protection strategy with a detailed action plan aimed at strengthening the social protection system in Lebanon, specifically the roles and responsibilities of various actors.
With all the above data and information confirming the severity of the phenomenon of child labor and its negative repercussions on children's psychological, mental, health, and educational development... another issue emerges that also sounds the alarm!
The issue of school dropout which has become an urgent matter. Are there relevant parties working to reduce it through effective solutions?