Knowledge sharing forum: Innovative solutions to reduce child labour and forced labour in Africa

The 2020 Global Estimates of Child Labour

The 2020 Global Estimates of Child Labour indicate that, for the first time in 20 years, the absolute number of children in child labour has risen from 152 million in 2016 to 160 million in 2020. The number of children in child labour has risen to 92 million in Africa – an increase of 20 million children in the last four years. Based on these estimates, one out of every five African children are in child labour. More than 80% of child labour is happening in agriculture, mainly within families. These figures do not include the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, which has likely further worsened the situation of child labour in many countries across the region.

The 2021 Global Estimates of Modern Slavery

There are 27.6 million people in situations of forced labour globally on any given day, with 3.8 million from Africa according to the 2021 Global Estimates of Modern Slavery. Women and girls make up 11.8 million of the total in forced labour. More than 3.3 million of all those in forced labour are children. Forced labour in private enterprises forms a large part of the population. For Africa, the report highlights forced labour issues linked to fishing, migration, debt bondage, trafficking and the worst forms of child labour.

Event Objective

This event seeks to catalyse a strong, collaborative response to the challenges of child and forced labour in Africa. It aims to convene experts, policymakers, international agencies, and community stakeholders to foster a shared understanding of the complexities of these issues. By highlighting innovative strategies, sharing best practices, and forging effective partnerships, the event aspires to provide inputs to regional/national action plans that address both the symptoms and root causes of child and forced labour, making significant strides towards eradicating them in Africa.

International Collaboration and Knowledge Exchange

In the spirit of international collaboration and knowledge exchange, this forum aims to create a dynamic platform where tripartite constituents, advocates, experts, etc. convene to share, learn, and strategize together how to accelerate actions on child and forced labour. The event will draw inspiration from replicable good practices taken from the African region, supported by ACCEL Africa, the 8.7 Accelerator Lab, and other projects.

Embracing the Power of Collaboration and Intra-African Partnership Creation

The discussions at this forum will not only fuel political will and boost advocacy but also develop and strengthen partnerships. By addressing the critical challenges and sharing innovative solutions, the event is expected to re-initiate a wave of positive change and collaboration among nations facing similar challenges.

Our Focus on Innovation

Innovation will be a cornerstone of this event, acting as the catalyst for pioneering solutions in the fight against child and forced labour in Africa. Recognizing the complex and multifaceted nature of these issues, the forum will facilitate a unique environment where creativity and forward-thinking are not only encouraged but essential. This will be achieved through a series of interactive workshops, panel discussions, and brainstorming sessions focused on harnessing unconventional strategies to address and mitigate the roots of forced labour and child labour.

Key Components

• Knowledge Sharing and Strategy Development:
  • Knowledge booths
  • Expert panels
  • Digital knowledge wall
• Multi-sectoral Collaboration: Building bridges between partners to promote a comprehensive, unified front against exploitative labour practices.

Objectives

• Develop a shared understanding among global and regional stakeholders about the complexities of child and forced labour in Africa and the role of innovation and knowledge sharing to advance on the elimination of these issues.
• Highlight and share innovative strategies, best practices, and effective partnerships from different countries and sectors.
• Establish a dynamic environment for international collaboration and knowledge sharing, where experts, policymakers, and affected individuals can exchange insights and learn from each other.
• Incubate new policy ideas and operational strategies, inviting participants to contribute fresh perspectives and approaches, ensuring solutions are both innovative and practical.
• Prioritize the voices and experiences of survivors and community representatives to ensure that solutions are culturally sensitive, contextually relevant, and grounded in real-life experiences.
• Build strong partnerships across various supply chains involved in ACCEL Africa and the Accelerator Lab.
• Establish a regional knowledge-sharing network to enhance multi-sectoral collaborations and partnerships, fostering a strong, united front across nations against child and forced labour.

Expected Outcome

The primary expected outcome is to foster a united approach against child and forced labour by highlighting innovative, practical solutions that are relevant and effective in the African context towards the development of solid intra-African South-South Partnerships to combat child labour and forced labour.

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth

• Target 8.7: Take immediate and effective measures to eradicate forced labor, end modern slavery and human trafficking, and secure the prohibition and elimination of the worst forms of child labor.
• Indicator 8.7.1: Proportion and number of children aged 5-17 years engaged in child labor, by sex and age group.
• Indicator 8.7.2: Proportion of children aged 5-17 years engaged in child labor, by sector and occupation.
• Indicator 8.7.3: Number of victims of human trafficking per 100,000 population, by sex, age group, and form of exploitation.
• Indicator 8.7.4: Proportion of children aged 5-17 years who are engaged in hazardous work, by sex and age group.

SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities

• Target 10.7: Facilitate orderly, safe, regular, and responsible migration and mobility of people, including through the implementation of planned and well-managed migration policies.
• Indicator 10.7.1: Recruitment cost borne by employee as a proportion of yearly income earned in country of destination.
• Indicator 10.7.2: Number of countries that have implemented well-managed migration policies.

SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions

• Target 16.2: End abuse, exploitation, trafficking, and all forms of violence against and torture of children.
• Indicator 16.2.1: Number of victims of human trafficking per 100,000 population, by sex, age group, and form of exploitation.

Analysis

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

The issues highlighted in the article are connected to SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities), and SDG 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions).

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

Based on the article’s content, the specific targets that can be identified are:
– Target 8.7: Take immediate and effective measures to eradicate forced labor, end modern slavery and human trafficking, and secure the prohibition and elimination of the worst forms of child labor.
– Target 10.7: Facilitate orderly, safe, regular, and responsible migration and mobility of people, including through the implementation of planned and well-managed migration policies.
– Target 16.2: End abuse, exploitation, trafficking, and all forms of violence against and torture of children.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

Yes, there are indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets. These indicators include:
– Indicator 8.7.1: Proportion and number of children aged 5-17 years engaged in child labor, by sex and age group.
– Indicator 8.7.2: Proportion of children aged 5-17 years engaged in child labor, by sector and occupation.
– Indicator 8.7.3: Number of victims of human trafficking per 100,000 population, by sex, age group, and form of exploitation.
– Indicator 8.7.4: Proportion of children aged 5-17 years who are engaged in hazardous work, by sex and age group.
– Indicator 10.7.1: Recruitment cost borne by employee as a proportion of yearly income earned in country of destination.
– Indicator 10.7.2: Number of countries that have implemented well-managed migration policies.
– Indicator 16.2.1: Number of victims of human trafficking per 100,000 population, by sex, age group, and form of exploitation.

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

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Fuente: ilo.org

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