‘Millions of African Children Risk Child Labor in COVID-19 Crisis’ 16 June 2019

Celebrating the International Day of the African Child which happens on Tuesday, June 16, millions of African children are at risk as they go into child labor as a result of COVID-19 other than lacking education and movement rights. The African Tourism Board (ATB) had organized a virtual discussion to deliberate impending issues facing African children and future plans to develop education for children in Africa and culture to travel through education. Bearing a banner of “Targeting Children and Youths in African Tourism Development,” the African Tourism Board is now campaigning for education rights for children in Africa. The virtual discussion will take place on June 16 celebrate this annual event.

…The United Nations warned that the COVID-19 crisis could lead to the first rise in child labor after 20 years of progress, according to a new brief from the International Labor Organization (ILO) and United Nations Children Fund (UNICEF). Children already engaged in child labor may be working longer hours or under worsening conditions, the report says. More of them may be forced into the worst forms of labo, which causes significant harm to their health and safety. “As the pandemic wreaks havoc on family incomes, without support, many could resort to child labor,” said ILO Director-General Guy Ryder.

…“Social protection is vital in times of crisis as it provides assistance to those who are most vulnerable. Integrating child labor concerns across broader policies for education, social protection, justice, labor markets, and international human and labor rights makes a critical difference.” COVID-19 could result in a rise in poverty and, therefore, to an increase in child labor as households use every available means to survive. Some studies show that a one percentage point rise in poverty leads to at least a 0.7 percent increase in child labor in certain countries. “In times of crisis, child labor becomes a coping mechanism for many families,” said UNICEF Executive Director Henrietta Fore.