Bisola David
The Inter-Parliamentary Union and the Economic Community of West African States are working together to make sure that children’s rights are upheld in the region.
News Agency of Nigeria reported that this was stated by the speaker of the ECOWAS Parliament, Dr. Sidie Tunis, during the joint IPU/ILO session on child labor on Thursday in Abuja.
He added that the relationship also includes upholding and supporting children’s rights during the event with the topic “Eradication of Child Labor: Taking Stock and Sustaining the Commitment of the ECOWAS Parliament.”
Representing Tunis, the second deputy speaker of the parliament, Boukary Chaibou, noted that since the start of the fifth legislative session, the IPU and its partners’ coordinated efforts to combat child labor have intensified.
According to him, child neglect is the most prevalent kind of abuse and is the main reason why kids are so susceptible to having their rights violated.
“Lack of protection and care, as well as abandonment and denial of the right to dignity, health, and education, violate the needs of children.
“This neglect then forces children to engage in activities that threaten their health, education, and development,” he stated.
He claimed that laws like ILO Conventions Nos. 138 and 182 have been created to assure children’s protection.
The clauses, according to him, establish the minimum age for entrance and employment as well as the ban and prompt eradication of the worst kinds of child labor by state parties.
He voiced dismay over the authorities’ lack of political commitment to address child labor, describing it as disheartening.
Nevertheless, he reaffirmed the parliament’s pledge to discuss reports on child labor given by the national delegations of the member states during regular sessions in order to take the necessary action.
“Parliament then pursues or, if necessary, refers to the appropriate institution,” he said.
The speaker further mentioned that the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child has been approved and signed by each of the 15 ECOWAS member states.
