As many as 4,400 children were found working outside their homes, according to last year’s labour force survey. They were aged between 13-17 years. They were found working in informal sectors such as farm workers and domestic helpers.
The Labour Minister, Dorji Wangdi said, everyone should come together to advocate and create greater awareness on the rights of the child and the ill-effects of child labour. “Child labour does exist in Bhutan and it is an issue that needs our attention,” said Lyonpo Dorji Wangdi. He said there is a need to strengthen monitoring and regulation of children working in informal sectors.
The International Labour Organisation defines child labour as, work that deprives children of their childhood, their potential and their dignity and that is harmful to their physical and mental development.
The UNICEF Representative to Bhutan, Dr. Gepke Hingst, said families have to understand that children who work, often spend long hours outside their home or even move away from their community. She said, the further away a child moves from the care and protection of their family, the more vulnerable they become. “We need to support families to keep their children close, safe and protected.”
Today, Bhutan joined the other nations to mark the World Day against Child Labour. The theme for this year is, human rights and social justices: let’s end child labour.
