These 6 Pathfinder Countries are taking immediate actions against child labour
Tripartism engagement is all about exchanging experiences and good practices
We’re highlighting some of the 2021 Action Pledges we’ve received. Get inspired by these short stories about how governments, UN agencies, NGOs, universities, organizations, tripartite partners, and many more are joining the global movement for children.
What are Pathfinder Countries?
Pathfinder Countries go further and faster to achieve Target 8.7 of the SDGs: “Take immediate and effective measures to eradicate forced labour, end modern slavery and human trafficking and secure the prohibition and elimination of the worst forms of child labour, including recruitment and use of child soldiers, and by 2025 end child labour in all its forms.”
How does the initiative work?
Exchanging experiences and good practices among countries can accelerate change. The Pathfinder Country initiative includes over 20 member countries from the Global North and South. They commit to going further and faster towards achieving Target 8.7, and to documenting and sharing experiences and lessons in ending child labour, forced labour, human trafficking and modern slavery.
Here’s what some of our pledge makers are doing:
Côte d’Ivoire
Côte d’Ivoire’s Ministry of Employment and Social Protection is a government institution.
Its 2021 Action Pledge aims to implement a child labour observation and monitoring system in two regions. The system will include operational capacity building, awareness raising actions, a database and national knowledge system on child labour, and more.
“The system will contribute to a better understanding of the features and causes of child labour; lead to a better adaptation of remediation programmes and projects; and provide assistance and care to child victims or children at risk of child labour.”
Throughout the year, the Ministry will mobilize all stakeholders as well as the financial resources required to carry out the activities.
Chile
Chile’s Ministry of Labour and Social Security is a government institution.
Its 2021 Action Pledge aims to generate priority actions on child labour and migrant populations, child labour and gender, and youth labour.
“During the year 2021, Law No. 21,271 will enter into force, amending the Labour Code on the protection of children and adolescents in the world of work. The regulation of this law will determine the activities considered as hazardous work and will be essential to move towards protected youth labour.”
Throughout the year, Chile will target various actors in the world of work, the general population, state services/professionals and related organizations.
Guatemala
Guatemala’s Ministry of Labour and Social Welfare is a government institution.
Its 2021 Action Pledge aims to develop the National Strategy for the Prevention and Eradication of Child and Youth Labour 2021–2025.
“We will be drafting and disseminating the new strategy at the central and territorial levels.”
Throughout the year, the Ministry will mobilize the stakeholders and resources required to carry out the activities.
Ghana
Ghana’s Ministry of Employment and Labour Relations is a government institution.
Its 2021 Action Pledge aims to evaluate the National Plan of Action for the Elimination of the Worst Forms of Child Labour.
“The review will enable the country to take stock of what has been done since the adoption of NPA2, good lessons, strategies that worked, where attention needs to intensify, challenges and strategies to prioritise in the design of the next plan.”
Throughout the year, a consultant will carry out a desk review, undertake stakeholder engagements, and organize consultative workshops.
Honduras
Honduras’ Ministry of Labour and Social Security is a government institution.
Its 2021 Action Pledge aims to develop a tool to prevent child labour and guarantee protection for adolescent workers through key actors and actions.
“In order to clarify efforts to meet Target 8.7, this tool will be developed for the benefit of children and adolescents in Honduras to prevent child labour and guarantee protection for adolescent workers through articulated actions involving key actors in this sphere.”
Throughout the year, the Ministry will hold workshops with workers, employers, civil society, and international cooperation to create a strategic plan for the upcoming years.
Madagascar
Madagascar’s Ministry of Labour, Employment, Civil Service and Labour Laws is a government institution.
Its 2021 Action Pledge aims to launch the implementation of a joint action plan to eliminate child labour in mica. In Madagascar, mica mining is largely informal, employing in particular women, young people and even children.
“Following an Action Plan to eliminate child labour adopted in 2020, the Madagascar government will meet the necessary social needs and emergencies related to the issue of child labour in the mica sector.”
Throughout the year, the Ministry will implement a work plan based around seven key areas. By strengthening child labour monitoring mechanisms, while linking companies and communities, the country will advance progressively towards eliminating child labour in the mica sector.