Ghana’s human rights commission supports global action against child labour
Ghana’s Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ) has expressed support for various actions being taken globally towards the prevention of child labour and the strengthening of children’s rights.
It said without these actions, many children could otherwise be deprived of education, good health, leisure and basic freedoms.
A statement signed by Mr Joseph Whittal, Deputy Commissioner of CHRAJ and copied to the Ghana News Agency on Tuesday noted that the Commission has found out that large number of children is being used as domestic workers before they reach the legal minimum age for employment.
The statement was issued in Accra to mark United Nations Day Against Child Labour.
It said child labour in these circumstances is particularly troubling because often children are exposed to hazardous working conditions, which could be harmful to their health and retard their development.
“The United Nations theme for the day is “No to child labour in domestic work” while Ghana has chosen: “Take action now! No to child labour in domestic work,” the statement said.
The Commission called on government to expedite action on the social policy to give direction to the work of the Ministry of Labour and Employment and Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection.
It said the theme for the world day against child labour which emphasises the need to take action now, suggests that all relevant authorities in relation to the elimination of the practice should be proactive.
The statement said child labour is exploitative; therefore, Ghana must make the fight against it one of its priorities and tackle the situation at all levels.
“The Commission is of the view that the fight against child labour requires a concerted response and effort from the government, industries, the international community and all other relevant stakeholders.
“Since the health and education of children involved in this kind of activity are at stake, the Commission recommends that the judiciary enforce the law regarding child abuse.
“The…public should also report cases of child abuse to the Domestic Violence and Victims Support Unit of the Police Service for action. Parents and guardians should also desist from using under aged children for financial gains.”
The statement warns that the Commission strictly abhors the use of children for hazardous work such as child trafficking, prostitution and other illicit activities, and is therefore calling on government to take the necessary measures to forestall the phenomenon.
The International Labour Organisation launched the first World Day Against Child Labour in 2002 as a way of highlighting the plight of child workers.
The day, which is observed annually on June 12, is aimed at serving as a catalyst for activating the global movement against child labour.
Source: GNA