Jamaicans urged to report child labour

Jamaicans are being urged to report cases of child labour as the authorities work to curb the problem.



Child labour constitutes any work done by children, which is mentally, physically, socially or morally dangerous and harmful to them and interferes with their schooling.



The Office of the Children’s Registry said child labour continues to be a serious issue which needs national focus.



Statistics from the Office indicate that during the period 2007 to 2011, 171 cases of child labour were reported.



However, the agency’s Registrar Greig Smith believes the number of cases is much higher as not all incidents are reported.



It is against this background that Smith is encouraging persons who witness child labour to make a report.



The appeal comes as the country observes World Day against Child Labour.



The theme for the observance is ‘Human rights and social justice...Let's end child labour.



As part of today’s activities, the Office of the Children’s Registry and the Child Labour Unit in the Ministry of Labour, will be collaborating with the International Labour Organisation TACKLE Project, to host a stakeholder consultation on the draft national child labour policy.



June 12 has been celebrated internationally as World Day Against Child Labour since 2002.



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