Child Labour: Growing Phenomenon in Cameroon

 

   Child labour is a global issue that prevents children from fulfilling their potential. Child labour is a violation of children's rights- the work that can harm them mentally or physically, expose them them to hazardous situations or stop them from going to school. Even though Nigeria, Pakistan and Afghanistan have the highest child labourers, it is becoming rampant in Cameroon.
   In worst cases, at very early age, child labour involves children enslaved, separated from their families, exposed to serious hazards and illness and or left to fend for themselves on the streets of large cities. In Cameroon, just like in other parts of the world, they are forced to work in miserable conditions in agriculture, mining, commerce and other sectors.

   In line with the United Nations objective to eradicate all forms of child exploitation by 2025, the Ministeries of Labour and Social Security, Social affairs and the International Labour office meet yearly to join forces in order to further curtail these harmful practices. This serves as part of activities to mark the commemoration of the fight against child labour that comes up on June 12 yearly and the World Day for Safety and Health at work.
   Children are the leaders of tomorrow so it is but logical to offer them opportunities to lead better lives reasons why the International Labour office encouraged the Cameroon government to continue paying particular attention in improving the safety and health of young workers and end child labour so as to guarantee for a healthy generation capable of facing tomorrow's challenges. The social protection of a child which is aa collectiv action that warrants all to be committed through sensitisation and taking major actions will enhance the well-being and self- fulfillment of the child.
   When all these education are nurtured in children, it frees them from the burden of child labour, they are able to realise their rights to education, leisure and healthy development, in turn providing the essential for broader social and economic, poverty eradication and human rights through policies put in place by the government of Cameroon.

Pictures culled from CRTV.