An NGO, Hope for Second Chance (HOSEC) Foundation, has called for robust enforcement mechanisms to monitor perpetrators of child labor and prosecute them to serve as deterrent to others.
The Founder of HOSEC, Mrs Ibukunoluwa Otesile, disclosed this in an interview on Monday in Abuja, while commemorating the World Day Against Child Day, celebrated every June 12.
She commended the efforts of government in ending child labor.
”Legislation alone is insufficient without robust enforcement mechanisms. We also urge the Nigerian government to allocate adequate resources and establish specialized units within law enforcement.
” These specialized units within the agencies should effectively monitor workplaces, conduct inspections, and hold perpetrators of child labor accountable.
” Collaboration between relevant government departments, civil society organizations, and international stakeholders is crucial for successful enforcement efforts,” she said.
She therefore, encouraged collaborative effort amongst stakeholders to create sustainable change and ensure a brighter future for Nigerian children devoid of exploitative clutches of child labour.
Otesile, highlighted the need to eradicate the menace of child labor in the country, adding that the organisation will ensure a supportive environment that will promote the potentials of children.
” We will focus on education support, where identified vulnerable children would be provided new uniforms and other educational support materials to help to contribute to a decent appearance and in turn boost their self-confidence and desire to stay in school.
” We will also engage in advocacy and Policy reforms, where we will engage with policymakers and stakeholders to advocate for stronger legislation against child labor and ensure its effective implementation.
” Our organisation will engage with community and the mass media to sensitize parents, guardians, and community leaders about the long-term detrimental effects of child labor.
” Through strategic partnerships, we will work towards creating an environment where child rights are protected, and perpetrators of child labor are held accountable, ” she said.
World Day Against Child Labor was first established in 2002 by the International; Labor Organisation (ILO) to draw constant attention to the issue of child labor and to revise and revisit our strategies to eliminate child labor.
The UN General Assembly while acknowledging the magnitude of child labor, unanimously adopted a resolution declaring 2021 as the International Year for the Elimination of Child Labor and has asked the ILO to take the lead in its implementation.
According to ILO’s data, hundreds of millions of girls and boys worldwide are involved in work that deprives them of receiving adequate education, health, leisure and basic freedoms, violating this way their rights.
The ILO says the worst forms of child labor include work in hazardous environments, slavery, or other forms of forced labor, illicit activities such as drug trafficking and prostitution, as well as involvement in armed conflict.
