By CrossRiverWatch Admin
The Cross River State Children’s Parliament has called on the state government to urgently address the issue of child labor in the state.
This call was made during a matter of urgent public importance at the 5th Children’s Parliament and second house sitting at the State House of Assembly in Calabar. Hon. Rejoice Ndoma Agbor, representing Ikom I Constituency, emphasized that child labor is a serious violation affecting numerous children in the state and the country. She sought her colleagues’ support to reverse the trend.
Agbor described any employment of children that harms their physical, mental, or educational well-being as child labor. She highlighted that this inhumane treatment often involves hazardous working conditions leading to injuries, illness, and even death. Long working hours cause physical strain, fatigue, stigma, shame, low self-esteem, social isolation, and discrimination. Additionally, children are more vulnerable to exploitation, abuse, human trafficking, and deprivation of their childhood.
She lamented the prevalence of child labor in Ikom Local Government Area, where children work in cocoa farms during and after school hours. Rejoice expressed concerns that these children are deprived of education, essential for their holistic development, thus putting their future at risk.
The House, recognizing the devastating impact of child labor on children’s childhood, dignity, and potential, called on the government to establish accessible mechanisms for monitoring and reporting child labor to curb this menace. They also urged for the implementation of strict penalties, as provided by law, against child labor, trafficking, and child marriage.
The child parliamentarians urged the government and international organizations to focus on refugee and street children to ensure they are provided with a safe environment and opportunities to thrive.
Other issues discussed included a motion by Hon. Egor Okan Elias, representing Ikom II, calling for the reconstitution of the Cross River State Child Rights Law Implementation Committee to ensure strict compliance with the law. Hon. Divine Victor, representing Akpabuyo, also urged the state government to enhance the education and empowerment system in the state.
A motion to extend maternity leave to six months in the state was adopted by Hon. Gabriel Elijah of Akpabuyo. The House urged the state government to establish compulsory six-month leave for all nursing mothers across all working sectors and emphasized the importance of exclusive feeding for babies.
Mr. Omede Eyimofe Samuel, representing Save the Children International, stated that the organization is committed to advocating and promoting child participation in decision-making, especially in governance. He disclosed that the organization is the leading agency addressing child labor in cocoa-producing zones in Cross River and Ondo States and called for cooperation from stakeholders.
The parliamentary session was attended by the Speaker of the Cross River State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Elvert Eyambem, Commissioner for Women Affairs, Hon. Edema Irom, among others of the 10th Assembly.
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