Namibian children face labour, sexual exploitation – The Namibian
Namibian children face labour, sexual exploitation Namibian
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Child Labour and Sexual Exploitation in Namibia
Introduction
Windhoek and Walvis Bay have been identified as hotspots for child labour and sexual exploitation according to the Global Organised Crime Index. This report aims to highlight the issue of child labour and sexual exploitation in Namibia, with a particular focus on these two areas. The findings of the ‘Disrupting Harm in Namibia’ report, launched by the Ministry of Gender Equality, Poverty Eradication and Social Welfare, will be discussed.
Child Labour and Human Trafficking
- The charcoal industry in Namibia is particularly vulnerable to human trafficking, as locals hire undocumented Angolans and subject them to forced labor.
- Namibia also experiences trafficking from neighboring countries, especially children from Angola, Kenya, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.
Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
- SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth – The issue of child labor and human trafficking in Namibia directly undermines this goal, as children are subjected to exploitative working conditions.
- SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions – The government and businesses need to implement laws and policies to protect human rights, particularly children’s rights, and provide accessible remedies for victims of violations.
Online Sexual Exploitation and Abuse
In 2021, approximately 20,000 children aged 12 to 17 in Namibia experienced online sexual exploitation and abuse. Shockingly, 30% of these children did not disclose their experiences to anyone.
Worst Forms of Child Labour
The United States Department of Labour’s report highlights that children in Namibia are subjected to the worst forms of child labour, including commercial sexual exploitation. The prevention and elimination of child labour are not integrated into key national policies, and social programs do not adequately address child labour in agriculture and domestic work.
Vulnerability to Child Labour
The extended drought and economic downturn in northern Namibia and southern Angola have likely increased children’s vulnerability to child labour. Children from rural areas often move to urban centers, such as Windhoek, in search of additional income for their families. Unfortunately, some of these children engage in selling drugs, organized begging, and commercial sexual exploitation.
Violence against Children
A significant number of boys and girls in Namibia experience physical, sexual, or emotional violence before the age of 18. Financial pressure, the cost of living, denial of paternity, lack of support, economic hardships, absence of support structures, and parental un-involvement contribute to these abuses.
Human Smuggling in Namibia
Namibia has a limited human smuggling market. Voluntary migration occurs through smuggling routes, particularly at the Namibian-Zambian border. There have been reports of law enforcement officers being involved in these activities. Namibia is increasingly becoming a destination country for migrants from various African countries, including Congolese citizens and Zimbabweans fleeing political conflict.
Conclusion
The issue of child labour and sexual exploitation in Namibia, particularly in Windhoek and Walvis Bay, requires urgent attention. It is crucial for the government and businesses to prioritize the protection of human rights, especially children’s rights, and implement policies and laws that address these issues. By aligning efforts with the Sustainable Development Goals, Namibia can work towards eradicating child labour and creating a safer environment for its children.
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?
- SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
- SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
- SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions
2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?
- SDG 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.
- SDG 10.2: By 2030, empower and promote the social, economic, and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion, or economic or other status.
- SDG 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?
- Indicator for SDG 8.7: Number of victims of human trafficking per 1,000 population, by sex, age group, and form of exploitation.
- Indicator for SDG 10.2: Proportion of population living below the national poverty line, by sex and age.
- Indicator for SDG 16.2: Number of children subjected to violence, exploitation, and abuse.
4. Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | 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: Number of victims of human trafficking per 1,000 population, by sex, age group, and form of exploitation. |
| SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities | Target 10.2: By 2030, empower and promote the social, economic, and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion, or economic or other status. | Indicator: Proportion of population living below the national poverty line, by sex and age. |
| 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: Number of children subjected to violence, exploitation, and abuse. |
Explanation:
The article highlights issues related to child labor, sexual exploitation, human trafficking, and violence against children in Namibia. These issues are connected to the following Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs):
- SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth addresses the eradication of forced labor, modern slavery, and child labor.
- SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities focuses on promoting social, economic, and political inclusion for all, irrespective of age.
- SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions aims to end abuse, exploitation, trafficking, and violence against children.
Based on the article’s content, specific targets under these SDGs can be identified:
- SDG 8.7 targets the eradication of forced labor, modern slavery, and child labor, including human trafficking.
- SDG 10.2 targets the empowerment and inclusion of all individuals, irrespective of age.
- SDG 16.2 targets the end of abuse, exploitation, trafficking, and violence against children.
The article also mentions indicators that can be used to measure progress towards these targets:
- The number of victims of human trafficking per 1,000 population, by sex, age group, and form of exploitation can measure progress towards SDG 8.7.
- The proportion of the population living below the national poverty line, by sex and age, can measure progress towards SDG 10.2.
- The number of children subjected to violence, exploitation, and abuse can measure progress towards SDG 16.2.
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Source: namibian.com.na
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