Today was National Child Labour Day, and in an effort to bring attention to this most pressing issue the Ministry of Labour organised a debate for and against the total eradication of child labour.
The event was held at the Center for Employment Training in San Ignacio, one that catered for a large group of young people. They gathered to listen to the arguments and ultimately got to make up their own minds about what it means for a child to be employed and the harm it can cause if the right conditions aren't met.
I traveled to Cayo today to hear both sides of the debate and spoke to Labour Minster Oscar Requena about GOB's plans to safeguard childhood.
A 2019 report by the US Bureau of International Labour Affairs found, quote, "Children in Belize engage in the worst forms of child labor, including in commercial sexual exploitation, sometimes as a result of human trafficking. Children also perform dangerous tasks in agriculture and construction. The study found that 1.6% of children aged 5 to 14 are working.
