Myanmar takes steps to implement child labour eradication program

14 December 2018
Myanmar takes steps to implement child labour eradication program

Myanmar is moving to implement a child labour eradication program and the related national-level work program (draft) is being sought at a Myanmar National Committee on Child Labour Eradication meeting, Myanmar News Agency reported Thursday. 

Vice President U Myint Swe, who is chairman of the committee, stressed at Wednesday's meeting the need for the program implementation in order to provide protection for children working in dangerous situations. 

The program can bring about vocational training and educational opportunities for the children and help alleviate poverty, he added. 

According to the labour force survey 2015, there are over 12 million children below 18 years of age in Myanmar. Of them, 1.1 million are working as child laborers, while over 600,000 are working in a vulnerable situation. 

As part of its efforts in elimination of child labour, Myanmar has ratified the International Labour Organization (ILO)'s Convention 182 on the worst form of child labour and has been cooperating with the ILO and the UN Children's Fund (UNICEF) is this aspect. 

A tripartite agreement under the Decent Work Country Program between the government, employers and employees was also signed by the ILO and the Myanmar Ministry of Labour, Immigration and Population. 

The program includes child labour issues under the title of job opportunities, labour rights and social security.

Courtesy Global Times