Youth urged to speak out against child labour

Young people must take an active role in combating exploitative child labour by reporting harmful situations affecting their peers, a National Child Labour Committee forum heard on Wednesday.

During her address at the Lloyd Erskine Sandiford Centre, Deputy Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Labour and Chairperson of the National Child Labour Committee, Sharon Drayton, called on youth to take a stand against abuse and exploitative child labour practices.

“We rely too much on agencies to do everything for us, but many times peers know of situations that are happening at their level and they say nothing. You need to say something,” she said.

Drayton clarified that while Barbados has no issue with children assisting with household chores, family businesses, or part-time work under appropriate conditions, the concern arises when children are placed in harmful environments.

“Barbados is not concerned about your chores, cleaning of rooms or homes, cooking or helping with your family business. We are not concerned about children under 16 who have been given permission during the vacation or on weekends… our concern is when a child is engaged in activities that cause harm,” she explained. “There are some types of work that are considered hazardous [like] some jobs in mining and construction [and] some types in agriculture where you are using chemicals.”

Chief Education Officer Dr Ramona Archer-Bradshaw echoed Drayton’s call for vigilance, emphasising that youth advocacy is key in eliminating harmful child labour practices.

She said: “Your presence and contribution at this youth forum on child labour under the theme Power Up – Promoting Decent Work and Youth Advocacy Against Child Labour are critical to the sustainable development of our nation. Any hazardous condition, hindrance to any quality or equitable education, and the worst forms of child labour must be eradicated.

“We would call on anyone who is aware of children at risk to power up and speak up, and to do so where it matters. We need to make sure that every child has a bright trajectory. Youth, not only adults, must be positively vocal to advocate and create the best conditions for our children to thrive.” (SB)