Stakeholders rally support for fight against child labour
DAR ES SALAAM: PARENTS, communities and other stakeholders have been urged to strengthen support for government efforts to eliminate child labour and ensure children enjoy their rights and achieve their full potential.
The call was made by child rights advocates under the Tanzania Coalition Against Child Labour (TCACL) during a dialogue on “Accelerating Actions Towards the Elimination of Child Labour” held in Dar es Salaam over the weekend, as part of activities marking the World Day Against Child Labour, observed annually on June 12.
Participants noted that despite government interventions, child labour remains a significant challenge in Tanzania, particularly in the informal sector. Children continue to be engaged in small, unregistered businesses, agriculture, mining and trade, often at the expense of their education and wellbeing.
Speaking during the dialogue, Legal and Human Rights Centre (LHRC) Executive Director, Dr Anna Henga, cited findings from the 2023/24 Human Rights and Business Report, which documented cases of children working as street vendors, farm labourers, miners and workers in other informal enterprises, frequently during school hours.
“One of the key concerns is that only 45 per cent of employers interviewed reported having a minimum-age employment policy,” Dr Henga said. “This highlights gaps in workplace safeguards against child labour and underscores the need for stronger enforcement and greater awareness among businesses.”
She added that the report found girls account for 81 per cent of children engaged in domestic work, making them particularly vulnerable to exploitation.
TCACL Chairperson, Ibrahim Samatta said the coalition’s 45 member organisations are working closely with the government to implement strategies aimed at preventing and eliminating child labour across the country.
“We call upon all stakeholders working on child development issues to intensify efforts to combat child exploitation and protect children’s rights,” he said.
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Another coalition member, Dr Sylvia Ruambo, identified family conflicts, separation and marital breakdown as some of the underlying factors contributing to child labour.
She urged families and communities to uphold moral values and seek peaceful resolution of disputes in order to create stable environments that support children’s development.
The government has reaffirmed its commitment to eradicating child labour through coordinated national action, effective enforcement of labour laws and expanded access to quality education.
A key component of these efforts is the implementation of the National Strategy for the Elimination of Child Labour (2024/25–2028/29), which brings together government institutions, employers, trade unions and civil society organisations under a common framework to address the problem.
