ILO commends Govt. for efforts made addressing child labour
Lusaka, April 3, ZANIS–The International Labour Organization (ILO) has commended the Zambian government for making tremendous efforts in addressing issues of child labour in the country.
ILO Country Director for Zambia, Malawi and Mozambique Thomas Clemensson said there has been a serious reduction in child labour since 2008 which has resulted in an increase in school attendance, especially for children aged between 7 and 14 years.
He was speaking when he officially opened a one day Achieving Reduction of Child Labour in Supporting Education (ARISE) consultative meeting in Lusaka today.
Mr. Clemensson also noted that the ratification of the two major ILO Conventions on the Minimum Wage of Employment and on the Worst Forms of Child Labour has strengthened the national and local level child labour responses.
He however said there is need for more concerted efforts by both government and its cooperating partners to ensure the international labour organization child labor elimination targets are met.
Meanwhile, Mr. Clemensson said the agriculture sector still remains one of the three most dangerous sectors alongside construction and mining in which child labour is entertained.
He said immediate action is required to reverse the trend to prevent children from being exposed to a number of hazards which can threaten their lives.