Towards the elimination of the worst forms of child labour in Namibia

This was a preliminary study for The International Labour Organisation (ILO) and the International Programme on the Elimination of Child Labour (IPEC) with Dawie Bosch and Associates. This report found that, as is common around the world, children in Namibia perform chores as part of their contribution to the household. Of concern are situations where household chores interfere with education or are hazardous to the child’s well-being. Of greater concern are children whose adult family members are HIV positive and who may eventually need to be cared for by their children, or children whose household tasks have increased due to adult family members being incapacitated by AIDS. Although little data exist on child labor in Namibia, this preliminary study found that commercial farmers and domestic employers may force children to work as part of their parents’ terms of employment. Some commercial farms also have charcoal production where a number of children work. In addition, commercial sexual exploitation of children occurs but is rarely reported, while children are sometimes recruited by adults for involvement in illegal activities. Based on the findings of this preliminary study, a more comprehensive research study has been undertaken by the ILO. Dr LeBeau is the technical expert consultant for the subsequent study.

ISBN: 99916-63-70-3
Publisher: ILO
Year of Publication: 2004