Mbabane – The minister of labour and social security Phila Buthelezi says every child deserves a childhood free from exploitation as Eswatini observes the World Day Against Child Labour.
Buthelezi stated in a statement that all children should be given the opportunity to learn, play, develop their abilities, and become useful members of society.
The day is observed under the theme “Red Card to Child Labour: Fair Play for Children, Decent Work for Adults”. Approximately 138 million children worldwide are still in child labour, with nearly 54 million in hazardous work, and the United Nations calls for action to address this issue, including countries ensuring quality education, universal social protection, decent work and adequate livelihoods for adults; stronger laws and enforcement; better data and monitoring systems; and responsible action in agriculture and supply chains. 
Eswatini says ensuring that no child is under exploitation or child labour requires ‘collective action to promote decent work for adults, strengthen social protection systems, and ensure access to quality education for all children.’
“Child labour remains a serious violation of children’s rights. It deprives children of their education, health, safety, dignity, and future opportunities. It undermines social and economic development and perpetuates intergenerational cycles of poverty and vulnerability,” Buthelezi said.
The government has stated that it will continue to ensure the protection of children and the abolition of all types of child labour.
While chores assigned to children do not constitute child labour, the statement is against children “engaged in work that is excessive, exploitative, hazardous, or inappropriate for their age; work that interferes with their education; deprives them of the opportunity to play and develop; or places their health, safety, and wellbeing at risk.”
“Children may participate in age-appropriate activities, including light household chores and supervised tasks that contribute to their personal development, learning, and sense of responsibility. Such activities can play a positive role in a child’s growth and preparation for adulthood,” Buthelezi said.
