Elimination of Child Labor: National Committee held its 7th coordination meeting held

The National Committee on Elimination of Child Labor held its seventh coordination meeting on Tuesday at the Assembly Hall of the Ministry of Labor in Nay Pyi Taw.

Chairman of National Committee Member of State Administration Council Union Minister for Home Affairs Lt-Gen Yar Pyae, attended and delivered a speech. The chairman of National Committee, Union Minister presented the first five-year national plan (2019-2023) for the elimination of child labor, covering five regions: Kayin State, Mon State, Bago Region, Yangon Region, and Ayeyawady Region. Two priority areas were identified: the industrial production sector and the trade sector.

Six objectives for the reduction of child labor in these sectors were successfully implemented. Furthermore, in the eighth coordination meeting of the National Committee held on January 8, 2024, ten decisions were made, and these decisions were carried out by the relevant sectors and committees in Nay Pyi Taw and the states and regions, in accordance with the respective guidelines.

The majority of child workers face pressures due to poverty, lack of educational opportunities, and the need to contribute to their families' livelihood. It was emphasized that the issue of child labor should continue to be addressed effectively and with urgency.

The Vice Chairman of the National Committee, Union Minister U Myint Naung, discussed the status of the implementation of the national-level action plan for the elimination of child labor. The Secretary of the National Committee, Deputy Minister of Labor, U Win Shein, explained the progress of decisions made during the eighth committee meeting and the status of the implementation of the eight relevant action committees.

Further discussions were held by Union Ministers, the Nay Pyi Taw Council Chairman, Chief Ministers of Regions and States, Deputy Ministers, and other responsible officials. They provided clarifications and discussed the status of the implementation of the second five-year action plan for the elimination of child labor.

Next, the National Committee Joint Secretary, Head of the Factories and General Labor Laws Inspection Department, read and presented the decisions made during the seventh meeting, and approval was obtained. Then, the Chairman of the National Committee Lt-Gen Yar Pyae, after reviewing the discussions and recommendations, coordinated and integrated the necessary actions and concluded the meeting with closing remarks.