I'm a journalist with a graphic design background. I have worked for non-profits and news websites in Venezuela. Curious/Reliable/Organized.

Fighting Against Forced Labour and Child Labour in Supply Chains Act

11 Apr 2024  |  Lexology  |  English  |  Forced Labour

The Fighting Against Forced Labour and Child Labour in Supply Chains Act, effective January 1, 2024, mandates businesses to report annually on measures against forced and child labour. Public Safety Canada issued updated guidance on March 7, 2024, clarifying reporting requirements, including entity size thresholds and the exclusion of municipal governmental institutions. The guidance also addresses the format and language of reports, emphasizing that the 10-page limit is a recommendation, not a requirement.

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Child Labour Forced Labour Supply Chains

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Eleanor Ayuketah is a journalist based in Yaoundé, Cameroon. Pioneer Member of the Graça Machel Trust (GMT) Women in Media Network (WIMN). I am passionate about women and children's issues as well as health topics. I also love writing about development and environmental issues.

COVID-19 Renders the African Child Helpless within the Judicial System

16 Jun 2020  |  EM Production  |  English  |  Child Rights

The article by Eleanor Ayuketah Ngochi discusses the various challenges faced by African children during the COVID-19 pandemic. It highlights the vulnerability of children due to the weak judicial system in Africa, which often fails to protect their rights. The pandemic has exacerbated issues such as inheritance disputes, forced labor, and early marriage, with many children losing parents to the virus and facing legal battles over property. The closure of schools has led to an increase in street hawkers and forced marriages, while distance learning has been inaccessible to many due to lack of resources. The economic crisis has further strained the situation, with limited resources affecting food security. The article also touches on the plight of child prisoners during the pandemic, with restrictions on visitors impacting their well-being. The author calls for a reevaluation of the justice system to better protect children's rights, especially in light of the Day of the African Child.

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Child Prisoners Forced Labour Child Rights COVID-19 Pandemic Judicial System Inheritance Law Early Marriage Distance Learning Economic Crisis

I am a Child Rights Activist interested in reporting issues related to children's rights and gender equality issues. I have a blog on Child Rights at ****

Complexities in Girls’ Education

16 May 2015  |  Child Rights in India  |  English  |  Child Rights

The article tells the story of Nasreen, a 9-year-old girl who was brought to MV Foundation's bridge camp to escape child labor and receive an education. Her elder sister, Mumtaz, who missed out on education herself, enrolled Nasreen in the camp to prevent her from following the same path. The article highlights the patriarchal system in Indian families that forces girls into assuming adult responsibilities at a young age, often at the expense of their education and childhood. It also discusses the impact of new child labor laws in India, which could further entrench gender inequality by allowing children to work within family businesses. The author advocates for a change in mindset and government policy to ensure equality and empower girls in India.

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Child Labour Child Rights Education Gender Equality Patriarchy in India

Nyasha Chingono is a journalist based in Harare. He is contributor for Reuters, The Guardian and France 24. Has in the past written for CNN Africa, Zimbabwe Independent among others .

$1 a week: the bitter poverty of child sugarcane workers in Zimbabwe

19 Nov 2019  |  www.theguardian.com  |  English  |  Child Labour

The article highlights the issue of child labor in the Mukwasine sugar plantations in Zimbabwe, where children like nine-year-old Tapiwa Mumverenge work in harsh conditions to support themselves and their families. Despite the low pay and risks, including exposure to diseases and dangerous wildlife, child labor persists due to economic hardship and the need for cheap labor during the cane cutting season. The Progressive Agriculture and Allied Industries Workers’ Union of Zimbabwe reports a monthly wage for cane workers at $180, but children earn significantly less. The US Department of Labor has identified the situation as one of the 'worst forms' of child labor. The Zimbabwean government and the Zimbabwe Sugarcane Farmers Development Association have expressed concern and the latter prohibits hiring children. Zimbabwe's ratification of the protocol to the Forced Labour Convention shows a commitment to addressing the issue. Globally, millions of children are involved in labor, with a significant number in Sub-Saharan Africa engaged in exploitative work.

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Child Labour Agriculture Economic Issues Human Rights

An experienced journalist with a demonstrated history of working in the multimedia, broadcast, and print industry. Skilled in cinema journalism, and health feature writing around the world.

Leanne de Bassompierre is a journalist based in Abidjan, Cote d'Ivoire.

Child labour takes the sweetness out of investing in chocolate

20 Jun 2021  |  www.timeslive.co.za  |  English  |  Child Labour

Despite pledges from chocolate companies to reduce child labour, the issue has worsened according to a report. This contradiction is highlighted in Oslo, where the world's largest sovereign wealth fund allocates its investments. The article criticizes the chocolate industry for not fulfilling its promises to address child labour.

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Child Labour Chocolate Industry Ethical Investing

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Umar Farooq is a journalist based in Istanbul, Turkey.  He reports regularly for the Los Angeles Times from the region.  In the past year, his work has also appeared in Foreign Affairs, National Geographic, The Guardian, Boston Review, and The Nation.  

He received a Pulitzer Center Crisis ...

Rising Juvenile Abuse

29 Nov 2024  |  The Global Kashmir  |  English  |  Child Labour

Juvenile abuse in India is a multifaceted issue involving physical, emotional, and neglectful mistreatment of minors, exacerbated by socio-economic disparities, cultural norms, and family dysfunction. Historical socio-economic structures and industrialization have perpetuated child labor and abuse, despite legislative efforts to combat these issues. The Indian government and NGOs have implemented various laws and initiatives to protect children's rights, including prohibiting child labor and ensuring education. However, challenges remain due to inadequate enforcement and persistent socio-economic inequalities. A comprehensive response involving legislative reforms, socio-economic interventions, and collective societal responsibility is essential to safeguard children's rights and eradicate juvenile abuse.

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Child Rights Child Labour Juvenile Abuse

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Felix Gaedtke is a journalist based in Berlin, Germany.

Millions of children hard at work in India

12 Jun 2015  |  www.aljazeera.com  |  English  |  Child Labour

India has the highest number of working children globally, with over 28 million children employed. On International Day Against Child Labour, efforts to combat child labour are highlighted. The Indian cabinet, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, approved amendments to the child labour law, which has sparked mixed reactions. The Bachpan Bachao Andolan supports the amendments, while the Concerned for Working Children criticizes them. The article also shares personal stories of child workers and discusses the complexities of child labour in India, including economic and social factors.

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Child Labour Poverty Legislation

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Musarasane Kaseke is a journalist based in Windhoek, Namibia.

SADC’s poverty, inequality continues to exacerbate child labour practises – official

12 Jun 2019  |  economist.com.na  |  English  |  Child Labour

Child labour remains a significant issue in Southern Africa due to persistent poverty and inequality, despite developmental progress. SADC Executive Secretary Stergomena Lawrence Tax highlighted the region's high informal employment and working poor rates, which drive children into labor to support household incomes, particularly in agriculture. SADC is committed to ensuring quality education and skills development for children and recognizes that combating child labor requires inclusive economic growth and sufficient job opportunities. The SADC Decent Work Agenda (2013-2019) prioritizes eradicating child labor to improve youth living standards.

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Child Labour Poverty Inequality

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Eric Kasongo is a seasoned bilingual journalist (French-English) based in Cape Town, South Africa, with a specialized focus on political and economic affairs in both South Africa and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). His expertise spans critical sectors such as mining and energy, where he has ...

Glencore supports World Day Against Child Labour

13 Jul 2023  |  Matière News  |  French  |  Child Labour

Glencore, a global mining giant, supports the World Day Against Child Labour and commits to the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights. The company emphasizes a zero-tolerance approach to child labour and other forms of forced labour, particularly in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Glencore collaborates with local NGOs and churches to provide alternative livelihoods and educational opportunities to prevent child involvement in artisanal and small-scale mining. The company is also a founding member of the Fair Cobalt Alliance, promoting fair cobalt development.

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Child Labour Corporate Social Responsibility

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Madalitso Kateta is a Malawian freelance journalist based in the capital Lilongwe. Kateta specialises in developmental reporting, mostly reporting on Human Rights including Gender and Child Rights, Environment and Economics.

In Malawi, teachers’ unions are rallying to protect vulnerable learners from Covid fallout

12 Jun 2020  |  Equal Times  |  English  |  Child Labour

The Covid-19 pandemic has exacerbated societal issues in Malawi, particularly affecting education and child labour. School closures have led to increased underage pregnancies, marriages, and child labour, especially in rural areas where children are forced to work on farms. Despite government efforts and initiatives by organizations like the Teachers Union of Malawi and Plan International to combat these issues, the pandemic has reversed many gains. Emergency educational solutions like radio lessons and tablet-based learning have been introduced, but challenges remain in ensuring all children return to school and continue their education.

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Child Labour Covid-19 Education

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Ian Mapira is a journalist based in Harare, Zimbabwe.

Three Years Left To End Child Labour

12 Jun 2022  |  enthusemag.com  |  English  |  Child Labour

Zimbabwe marks the World Day Against Child Labour amid ongoing child labour issues in mines and farms, with only three years left to meet the UN's Target 8.7 to end child labour by 2025. Reports from Human Rights Watch and the Zimbabwe Environmental Lawyers Association highlight hazardous conditions for child workers and an increase in child labour due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Southern Africa Resource Watch notes that the pandemic has reversed progress in reducing child labour in the region. The International Labour Organisation and UNICEF report that 160 million children are still in child labour, with a significant increase among younger children between 2016 and 2020. This year's theme for the World Day Against Child Labour is “Universal Social Protection to End Child Labour.”

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Child Labour COVID-19 Pandemic Sustainable Development Goals

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Enock Muchinjo is a journalist based in Harare, Zimbabwe.

Rights group says cases of child labour, worker exploitation and low pay are rife in Zimbabwe’s tobacco farms.

06 Apr 2023  |  Al Jazeera  |  English  |  Child Labour

Human Rights Watch has released a report detailing rampant child labour, worker exploitation, and low pay in Zimbabwe's tobacco farms. The report, 'A Bitter Harvest: Child Labour and Human Rights Abuses on Tobacco Farms in Zimbabwe,' reveals that children work in hazardous conditions, risking their health and education. Workers, including children, are exposed to nicotine and toxic pesticides, leading to symptoms of nicotine poisoning. Despite the tobacco industry's significant contribution to Zimbabwe's economy, these human rights abuses could tarnish its image. The report is based on interviews conducted in late 2016 and early 2017 with small-scale tobacco farmers and workers. Human Rights Watch has urged the Zimbabwean government and multinational tobacco companies like British American Tobacco, Japan Tobacco Group, and Imperial Brands to take responsibility for preventing child labour and ensuring worker safety. The Tobacco Industry and Marketing Board in Zimbabwe expressed concern over the findings but questioned the report's scope.

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Child Labour Worker Exploitation Human Rights Abuses Tobacco Industry

Mary Mundeya is a journalist based in Harare, Zimbabwe.

Zimbabwe: Child labourers swarm the trenches of predatory Odzi

01 Oct 2023  |  Unbias The News  |  English  |  Child Labour

Child labor is rampant in the gold-laden banks of the Odzi River in Zimbabwe, where children from nearby villages engage in hazardous artisanal mining to support their families. Driven by poverty, many children have abandoned school for gold panning, exposing themselves to dangerous chemicals like mercury. Despite government efforts to curb child labor, the practice persists, exacerbated by economic hardships and the allure of quick cash. The situation is dire, with significant school drop-out rates and the exploitation of young girls by gold buyers. Local leaders and organizations express concern, highlighting the need for more effective interventions.

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Child Labour Illegal Mining Poverty

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Dorothy Otieno is a journalist based in Nairobi, Kenya.

One in six human trafficking victims is a child

29 Jul 2019  |  Nation  |  English  |  Child Exploitation

One in six victims of human trafficking in Kenya is a child, with the majority of victims being young adults aged 18-29. Kenya serves as a source, transit point, and destination for sex trafficking and forced labour. The article highlights the personal story of Phyllis Ajwang, who was trafficked into domestic work as a child. Family members are often involved in the recruitment of child victims. Despite existing laws, Kenya struggles with the criminalization of victims and impunity for traffickers. The US State Department's report places Kenya in tier two for not fully meeting the minimum standards for eliminating trafficking. The report also notes improvements in Kenya's anti-trafficking efforts, including digital law enforcement and victim assistance funding.

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Forced Labour Child Exploitation Human Trafficking

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Muktadir Rashid is a journalist based in Dhaka, Bangladesh.

Where’s My Daughter’s Body?: Deadly Fire Exposes Child Labour at a Snack Factory

29 Jul 2021  |  www.vice.com  |  English  |  Child Labour

A deadly fire at the Hashem Foods Limited factory in Narayanganj, Bangladesh, exposed the use of child labor and inadequate safety measures. The fire resulted in 51 deaths, including children, and highlighted systemic issues in factory safety and labor laws. The Sajeeb Group, which owns the factory, faced criticism for employing underage workers and failing to comply with safety regulations. The incident sparked calls for stricter enforcement of labor laws and better protection for workers. Despite promises of compensation, families of the victims demand justice and accountability for the tragedy.

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Child Labour Factory Fire Industrial Safety

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Sutirtha Sahariah is a journalist based in New Delhi, India.

Child trafficking in India: 'It was only after a few years I realised I had been sold'

28 Apr 2015  |  the Guardian  |  English  |  Child Trafficking

Thousands of children are being trafficked from India's remote tribal areas to meet the rising demand for domestic child labor in urban districts. The central state of Chhattisgarh, one of India's poorest, has seen over 10,500 children go missing between 2011 and 2013, with many trafficked into domestic servitude. Despite legislative efforts, activists argue that more needs to be done to address the issue, citing factors like poverty, illiteracy, and lack of law enforcement. Personal stories of trafficked children, such as Deepti Minch, highlight the severe impact of this issue. Law enforcement agencies, particularly in rural areas, are often under-resourced and view trafficking as a peripheral issue, exacerbating the problem.

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Domestic Labour Child Trafficking Human Rights

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An International Broadcast journalist with 27 years’ experience of TV-Radio, anchoring and social media communication tools.

A Reporter, Camera person, Audio- Video editor and anchor of International repute.

A 24 X 7 Online Computer savvy professional with English, Hindi, Urdu and, Punjabi ...

To the horror of rights activists, India legalises child labour

04 Jun 2015  |  www.timeslive.co.za  |  English  |  Child Labour

India's amendment to the Child Labour Act allows children under 14 to work in family-run businesses, sparking criticism from child rights activists who argue it endangers children's health and education. The government claims the amendment will help impoverished families and foster an entrepreneurial spirit, but activists warn it will reverse decades of progress in child welfare. The amendment is seen as particularly harmful to vulnerable groups like Dalit, Adivasi, and Muslim children, who are often forced into hazardous work due to economic necessity.

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Child Labour Legislation Human Rights

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Gurvinder Singh is a journalist and fixer based in Kolkata, West Bengal, India. I have worked as a fixer for CNN International, Daily mail and other publications who need my services. 

As a journalist, I am able to help International correspondents and production houses in a better way as I have ...

‘We lack robust mechanisms to tackle child labour’

12 Jun 2023  |  www.villagesquare.in  |  English  |  Child Labour

Shrishti Shankar of Bachpan Bachao Andolan (BBA) discusses the complexities of rescuing children from labour, emphasizing the multidimensional nature of the problem, including poverty, forced labour, and trafficking. She highlights the challenges in rehabilitation and the need for policies that address both the child's education and family needs. Shankar describes the prevalence of child labour in industries like bangle making, construction, and domestic work, and the efforts in Jharkhand to make education accessible at brick kilns. She outlines BBA's rescue approach, cooperation with Child Welfare Committees, and the pursuit of justice against employers, including securing back wages and criminal action. The article also mentions a recent case of a child in domestic work facing abuse and the ongoing efforts to rescue her.

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Child Labour Human Rights

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Dalphine Tagwireyi is a journalist based in Pretoria, South Africa.

Scourge of child labour rife on Zimbabwean farms

01 Oct 2023  |  scrolla.africa  |  English  |  Child Labour

Zimbabwean children, driven by poverty, are increasingly working on farms, often under inhumane conditions and for minimal pay. Many are forced to drop out of school or marry young, sacrificing their right to education. The article highlights personal stories, including that of Sadam Mhiti, whose young sons work on a farm in Kadoma. Child Rights Zimbabwe director Vincent Majohonye attributes the rise in child labour to grinding poverty, which leads to psychological and physical harm for the children involved.

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Child Labour Poverty Agriculture

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Diana Taremwa Karakire is a journalist based in Uganda. I have experience writing for publications including The Earth Journalism Network, Climate Tracker, Equal Times, The African Business magazine, African Banker, The Monitor Global Outlook, and  The Financial Management magazine - the global ...

How Covid-19 has expedited child labour in Uganda’s coffee industry

15 Sept 2021  |  The Observer - Uganda  |  English  |  Child Labour

The Covid-19 pandemic and subsequent lockdowns in Uganda have led to a significant increase in child labour within the coffee industry, as children turn to agriculture to support their families. Despite existing laws prohibiting child labour, the closure of schools and loss of jobs have exacerbated the issue. The rise in child labour has contributed to Uganda's record coffee exports but poses a threat to the country's reputation and key export commodity. Various organizations, including the International Labour Organisation and Fairtrade Africa, are working to combat child labour through awareness and guidelines, but the prolonged school closures continue to present challenges.

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Child Labour Covid-19 Coffee Industry

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Dr. Joseph Kobla Wemakor is a prominent Ghanaian figure and a passionate advocate for human rights, dedicated to empowering women, girls, children, and minority groups.



As the founder of Human Rights Reporters Ghana (HRRG), Dr. Wemakor leads a vibrant media advocacy and human rights ...

Community event shines spotlight on achievements in addressing forced and child labour at Atiwa East District

24 Apr 2024  |  Modern Ghana  |  English  |  Child Labour

A community event in Atiwa East District, Ghana, organized by the Edmark Rescue Foundation and Rainforest Alliance, highlighted achievements in combating child and forced labour in the cocoa and gold mining sectors. The event, supported by the Norwegian government through NORAD, brought together stakeholders to discuss progress and strategize further initiatives. Key figures emphasized the project's positive impact on reducing child labour, increasing school enrolment, and enhancing child protection mechanisms. The event underscored the importance of collaborative efforts among government bodies, NGOs, and private sector entities in safeguarding children's rights and well-being.

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Forced Labour Child Labour Cocoa Industry Gold Mining

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Freelance multimedia journalist based out of Bangalore, India with over 8 years of experience. My work has appeared in Mint-Wall Street Journal, Conde Nast, Hindustan Times, Fountain Ink, The New Indian Express, and Deccan Herald. 

Awards: 
2015 Red Ink Award winner for Science and Innovation ...

In India’s T-shirt factory of the world, Covid-19 puts clock back 20 years on child labour

10 Oct 2021  |  South China Morning Post  |  English  |  Child Labour

The Covid-19 pandemic has significantly reversed progress in eradicating child labour in Tiruppur, India's largest garment hub. Despite previous successful campaigns to create Child Labour Free Zones, economic pressures and school closures have led to a resurgence of child labour. The garment industry, which exports to major global brands, has seen children being employed to cut costs. Non-profit organizations and local committees continue to fight against this issue, but face challenges due to legal loopholes and insufficient government action. The article highlights the personal stories of affected children and the ongoing efforts to combat child labour.

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Child Labour Covid-19 Garment Industry

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I cover political parties, labour, education policy, science and research, minorities, and human rights for The News International.

NCRC Urges Immediate Action to Tackle Pakistan's Out-of-School Children Crisis

25 Feb 2024  |  The Friday Times  |  English  |  Child Labour

Pakistan faces a severe education crisis with over 26.2 million out-of-school children, including 7.6 million in Sindh. The National Commission on the Rights of Child (NCRC) and the School Education and Literacy Department, supported by the Sindh government, held a consultation to address this issue. NCRC Chairperson Ayesha Raza Farooq emphasized the urgency of curbing child labour and promoting education, especially for girls. The meeting highlighted the need for actionable measures, improved governance, and addressing challenges like malnutrition, lack of resources, and the impact of floods and COVID-19. The Sindh Education Sector Plan and Roadmap (SESP&R) and the Sindh Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Act, 2013, were also discussed.

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Child Labour Education Crisis Government Policy

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