2019 Findings on the Worst Forms of Child Labor: Tansania

 

In 2019, The United Republic of Tanzania made a minimal advancement in efforts to eliminate the worst forms of child labor. Criminal law enforcement officers prosecuted, achieved convictions, and imposed sentences for two cases related to the worst forms of child labor. However, despite new initiatives to address child labor, Tanzania is receiving an assessment of minimal advancement because it continued to implement a practice that delayed advancement in eliminating the worst forms of child labor. The Mainland government explicitly supports the routine expulsion of pregnant students from public schools, making them more vulnerable to the worst forms of child labor. Children in Tanzania engage in the worst forms of child Iabor, including in mining, quarrying, and domestic work, each sometimes as a result of human trafficking. Children also perform dangerous tasks in agriculture. Other gaps remain in the legal framework and enforcement of laws related to child labor, including protections for child engagement in illicit activities and domestic work; the lack of authorization for the labor inspectorate to assess penalties; and the likely insufficient number of labor inspectors for the size of Tanzania’s labor force.

I. Prevalence and Sectoral Distribution of Child Labor

Children in Tanzania engage in the worst forms of child labor, including in mining, quarrying, and domestic work. (1-3) Children also perform dangerous tasks in agriculture. (1,4) Table 1 provides key indicators on children's work and education in Mainland Tanzania.

Table 1. Statistics on Children’s Work and Education

Children

Age

Percent

Working (% and population)

5 to 14

29.3 (3,573,467)

Working children by sector

5 to 14

 

Agriculture

 

94.1

Industry

 

1.0

Services

 

4.9

Attending School (%)

5 to 14

74.3

Combining Work and School (%)

7 to 14

24.6

Primary Completion Rate (%)

 

68.7

Source for primary completion rate: Data from 2018, published by UNESCO Institute for Statistics, 2020. (5)
Source for all other data: International Labor Organization's analysis of statistics from Tanzania National Child Labour Survey (NCLS), 2014. (1,6)

Based on a review of available information, Table 2 provides an overview of children's work by sector and activity.

Table 2. Overview of Children's Work by Sector and Activity

Sector/Industry

Activity

Agriculture

Plowing, weeding, harvesting, and processing crops including coffee, sisal, tea, tobacco, and cloves (1,7,6–9)

 

Seaweed farming (10,11)

 

Production of sugarcane† (11,12)

 

Livestock herding, including tending cattle (3,13)

 

Fishing,† including for Nile perch (1,3,7,14–16)

Industry

Quarrying† stone and breaking rocks to produce gravel (1,15,17)

 

Mining,† including gold and tanzanite, and using mercury (1,3-5,4,10,18–22)

 

Manufacturing† (4,10)

 

Construction,† including digging, drilling, carrying bricks,† bricklaying, and assisting masons (10,15)

Services

Domestic work,† including child care,† cooking, and washing† (1,3,15,23,24)

 

Garbage collecting† (4,25,26)

 

Street work, including vending,† shoe shining, small business, and scavenging† (2,4,13,14,27)

 

Work in bars† (2,28)

Categorical Worst Forms of Child Labor‡

Commercial sexual exploitation, sometimes as a result of human trafficking (3,7,29)

 

Forced begging (2,30)

 

Forced labor in domestic work, agriculture, mining, fishing, commercial trading, quarrying, shining shoes, pushing carts, and working in factories and bars, each sometimes as a result of human trafficking (2,7,13,15,29,31)

† Determined by national law or regulation as hazardous and, as such, relevant to Article 3(d) of ILO C. 182.
‡ Child labor understood as the worst forms of child labor per se under Article 3(a)–(c) of ILO C. 182.

Tanzania is a source, transit, and destination country for child trafficking for forced labor and commercial sexual exploitation. Child trafficking is often facilitated by victims' family members, friends, or intermediaries who promise assistance or employment. (3,30) Girls are often subject to child trafficking, including for domestic work or commercial sexual exploitation; this frequently occurs along the Kenyan border and in tourist, mining, and construction areas, including "megaproject" sites. (3) Impoverished rural children and those orphaned by HIV/AIDS are particularly vulnerable to child trafficking and labor exploitation. (3,32) Child trafficking victims are also exploited for labor on farms, mines and quarries, and on fishing vessels. (3,30) Although most children are victims of domestic human trafficking, children from Burundi and Rwanda are also subject to child trafficking into Tanzania for forced labor. (3,33) According to reports, Burundian refugee children living in Tanzania are increasingly vulnerable to exploitation, including commercial sexual exploitation, sometimes as result of human trafficking, and for work on farms in western Tanzania. (30,34,35)

Children working in mining are exposed to many hazards, such as mercury poisoning and being trapped when tunnels collapse, especially in smaller unlicensed operations. (21,22,36,37) A 2019 report found children grinding and pounding rock for production of gravel in Pemba. The children working at these sites were using dangerous tools and exposed to being hit by rock fragments. (17)

Families are often required to pay for textbooks, uniforms, and school lunches, at costs that are prohibitive for some families. (7,38,39) Schools often lack resources for children with disabilities or learning disorders, which has resulted in many of these students dropping out. (2,40) These barriers can reduce children's access to school and increase their vulnerability to child labor.

II. Legal Framework for Child Labor

Tanzania has ratified all key international conventions concerning child labor (Table 3).

Table 3. Ratification of International Conventions on Child Labor

Convention

Ratification

ILO C. 138, Minimum Age

ILO C. 182, Worst Forms of Child Labor

UN CRC

UN CRC Optional Protocol on Armed Conflict

UN CRC Optional Protocol on the Sale of Children, Child Prostitution and Child Pornography

Palermo Protocol on Trafficking in Persons

The government has established laws and regulations related to child labor (Table 4). However, gaps exist in Tanzania's legal framework to adequately protect children from the worst forms of child labor, including the minimum age for work and the compulsory education age.

Table 4. Laws and Regulations on Child Labor

Standard

Related Entity

Meets International Standards

Age

Legislation

Minimum Age for Work

Mainland

No

14

Article 5 of the Employment and Labour Relations Act; Article 77 of the Law of the Child Act (41,42)

 

Zanzibar

No

15

Article 6 of the Zanzibar Employment Act; Articles 2 and 98 of the Zanzibar Children's Act (43,44)

Minimum Age for Hazardous Work

Mainland

Yes

18

Article 5 of the Employment and Labour Relations Act; Article 82 of the Law of the Child Act (41,42)

 

Zanzibar

Yes

18

Articles 8 and 9 of the Zanzibar Employment Act; Article 100 of the Zanzibar Children's Act (43,44)

Identification of Hazardous Occupations or Activities Prohibited for Children

Mainland

Yes

 

Article 5 and First Schedule of Regulations of the Employment and Labor Relations Act; Article 82 of the Law of the Child Act; List of Hazardous Child Labour (12,36,41,42)

 

Zanzibar

Yes

 

Articles 8 and 9 of the Zanzibar Employment Act; Article 100 of the Zanzibar Children's Act (43,44)

Prohibition of Forced Labor

Mainland

Yes

 

Article 25 of the Constitution; Article 80 of the Law of the Child Act; Article 6 of the Employment and Labor Relations Act; Article 4 of the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act (41,42,45,46)

 

Zanzibar

Yes

 

Article 7 of the Zanzibar Employment Act; Article 102 of the Zanzibar Children's Act (43,44)

Prohibition of Child Trafficking

Mainland

Yes

 

Article 4 of the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act (46)

 

Zanzibar

Yes

 

Articles 6 and 7 of the Zanzibar Employment Act; Article 106 of the Zanzibar Children's Act (43,44)

Prohibition of Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children

Mainland

Yes

 

Article 138.2.b of the Sexual Offences Special Provisions Act; Article 4 of the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act (46,47)

 

Zanzibar

Yes

 

Article 155 of the Penal Decree Act of Zanzibar; Article 110 of the Zanzibar Children's Act (43,48)

Prohibition of Using Children in Illicit Activities

Mainland

No

   
 

Zanzibar

Yes

 

Article 7.2.c of the Zanzibar Employment Act (44)

Minimum Age for Voluntary State Military Recruitment

 

Yes

18

Article 29 of the National Defence Act (49)

Prohibition of Compulsory Recruitment of Children by (State) Military

 

N/A*

   

Prohibition of Military Recruitment by Non-state Armed Groups

 

No

   

Compulsory Education Age

Mainland

No

13

Article 35 of the National Education Act (50)

 

Zanzibar

No

13

Section 19 of Education Act (51,52)

Free Public Education

Mainland

No

   

 

Zanzibar

Yes

 

Section 59 of the Education Act (51, 52)

* No conscription (49)

Mainland Tanzania and Zanzibar's non-union matters are governed by distinct territorial jurisdictional laws, leaving each territory to determine its own child labor laws. (2,45) The minimum age for work laws in Mainland Tanzania and Zanzibar do not meet international standards because they do not extend to all working children, including children engaged in domestic work. (41,43,44) Although Zanzibar has a policy establishing compulsory education through the age of 15, this standard has not been put into law; the Education Act stipulates a compulsory education age of 13, which is below the minimum age for work. (51,52) In the Mainland, there is no free basic education for children as established by law.

Mainland Tanzania's hazardous work list for children does not specify weeding and processing as activities that are dangerous agricultural tasks in the production of tobacco, cloves, coffee, sisal, and tea. (12,36,41-44) In addition, Mainland Tanzania does not clearly provide penalties for using children for illicit activities, including in the production and trafficking of drugs. Zanzibar prohibits the use of children for illicit activities, including the production and trafficking of drugs. (43,44)

A practice that contributes to children being left out of the formal education system stems from Mainland Tanzania's Education Act, which allows school officials to conduct medical examinations on students; school administrators apply this law in combination with the Mainland's Education Regulations, which allow for the expulsion of students for moral offenses, to compel female students to undergo pregnancy tests and expel them if they are pregnant. Pregnant girls excluded from the school system have increased vulnerability to the worst forms of child labor. (2,50,53-56) Although pregnant girls are more at risk of expulsion, boys who are found to be sexually active are also expelled from school. (33)

III. Enforcement of Laws on Child Labor

The government has established institutional mechanisms for the enforcement of laws and regulations on child labor (Table 5). However, gaps exist within the authority of the labor ministries of Mainland Tanzania and Zanzibar that may hinder adequate enforcement of their child labor laws.

Table 5. Agencies Responsible for Child Labor Law Enforcement

Organization/Agency

Related Entity

Role

Minister of State in the Prime Minister's Office for Policy, Parliamentary Affairs, Labor, Employment, Youth, and the Disabled

Mainland

Enforces child labor laws. Assigns area labor officers to each region to respond to reports of child labor violations, issues non-compliance orders, and reports incidents to police and the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare. (2) Through its Labor Administration and Inspection Section, provides legal guidance upon request, disseminates information to employers and employees on their rights and obligations, and helps area offices conduct labor inspections. (57)

Ministry of Health, Community Development, Gender, Elderly, and Children

Mainland

Enforces child protection laws and regulations, and health and social welfare policies. Employs officers to monitor child labor at the district and village levels, and reports findings to the President's Office of Regional Administration and to local governments. (2) Promotes community development, gender equality, and children's rights by formulating policies, strategies, and guidelines in collaboration with stakeholders. (57)

Ministry of Home Affairs

Mainland

Enforces anti-trafficking laws, including child trafficking, and laws prohibiting commercial sexual exploitation of children and the use of children in illicit activities. (57)

Ministry of Empowerment, Adults, Youth, Women and Children

Zanzibar

Ensures compliance with child protection and child labor laws, including inspections, through its Child Protection Unit. (57) Following a merger with the Ministry of Labor, Economic Empowerment and Cooperatives, investigates child labor cases reported by the police and refers cases to social welfare officers. (58)

Ministry of Health

Zanzibar

Enforces anti-trafficking laws, including cases of child trafficking. (57)

Tanzania Police Force

Mainland and Zanzibar

Investigates cases of child labor and other forms of child endangerment reported to police stations; in some cases, refers cases to labor officers or seeks assistance from social welfare officers and the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions to take legal action. Includes a Human Trafficking desk, and Gender and Children's desks to handle cases pertaining to children. (2,57,59)

Labor Law Enforcement

In 2019, labor law enforcement agencies in Tanzania took actions to combat child labor (Table 6). However, gaps exist in the authority of the labor ministries and in the execution of their mandates that may hinder adequate labor law enforcement, including the lack of publicly available enforcement data.

Table 6. Labor Law Enforcement Efforts Related to Child Labor

Overview of Labor Law Enforcement

Related Entity

2018

2019

Labor Inspectorate Funding

Mainland

Unknown (7)

Unknown (2)

 

Zanzibar

$28,193 (7)

$7,180 (2)

Number of Labor Inspectors

Mainland

79 (7)

Unknown (2)

 

Zanzibar

20 (7)

11 (2)

Inspectorate Authorized to Assess Penalties

Mainland

No (7)

No (2)

 

Zanzibar

No (7)

No (2)

Initial Training for New Labor Inspectors

Mainland

Unknown (7)

Unknown (2)

 

Zanzibar

No (7)

No (2)

Training on New Laws Related to Child Labor

Mainland

N/A

Unknown (2)

Training on New Laws Related to Child Labor

Zanzibar

N/A

No (2)

Refresher Courses Provided

Mainland

Unknown(7)

Unknown (2)

Refresher Courses Provided

Zanzibar

Yes (7)

No (2)

Number of Labor Inspections Conducted

Mainland

Unknown (7)

Unknown (2)

 

Zanzibar

360 (7)

500 (2)

Number Conducted at Worksites

Mainland

Unknown (7)

Unknown (2)

Number Conducted at Worksites

Zanzibar

360 (7)

500 (2)

Number of Child Labor Violations Found

Mainland

Unknown (7)

Unknown (2)

 

Zanzibar

0 (7)

0 (2)

Number of Child Labor Violations for Which Penalties Were Imposed

Mainland

Unknown (7)

Unknown (2)

Number of Child Labor Violations for Which Penalties Were Imposed

Zanzibar

0 (7)

0 (2)

Number of Child Labor Penalties Imposed that Were Collected

Mainland

Unknown (7)

Unknown (2)

Number of Child Labor Penalties Imposed that Were Collected

Zanzibar

0 (7)

0 (2)

Routine Inspections Conducted

Mainland

Yes (7)

Yes (2)

 

Zanzibar

Yes (7)

Yes (2)

Routine Inspections Targeted

Mainland

Yes (7)

Yes (2)

Routine Inspections Targeted

Zanzibar

Yes (7)

Yes (2)

Unannounced Inspections Permitted

Mainland

Yes (7)

Yes (2)

 

Zanzibar

Yes (7)

Yes (2)

Unannounced Inspections Conducted

Mainland

Yes (7)

Yes (2)

Unannounced Inspections Conducted

Zanzibar

Yes (7)

Yes (2)

Complaint Mechanism Exists

Mainland and Zanzibar

Yes (7)

Yes (2)

Reciprocal Referral Mechanism Exists Between Labor Authorities and Social Services

Mainland

Yes (7)

Yes (2)

 

Zanzibar

Yes (7)

Yes (2)

The Mainland government did not provide information on labor enforcement efforts for inclusion in this report. (2) Despite regulations in both the Mainland and Zanzibar requiring that one or more labor officers be assigned to each region, research was unable to determine whether this was followed during the reporting period. (7,60) Based on information from past reporting, the number of labor inspectors is likely insufficient for the size of Tanzania's workforce, which includes nearly 25 million workers. According to the ILO's technical advice of a ratio approaching 1 inspector for every 40,000 workers in least developed economies, Tanzania would employ about 622 inspectors. (61,62) In addition, government-wide budgetary issues resulted in a substantial decrease of funding for the Zanzibar labor inspectorate from $28,193 to $7,180, which is insufficient to provide adequate enforcement of labor laws. (2) Although figures on the Mainland labor inspectorate funding remain unavailable, NGOs have noted that labor enforcement efforts could benefit from additional funding and increased numbers of inspections. (57)

Criminal Law Enforcement

In 2019, criminal law enforcement agencies in Tanzania took actions to combat child labor (Table 7). However, gaps exist within the operations of the criminal enforcement agencies that may hinder adequate criminal law enforcement, including training for criminal investigators.

Table 7. Criminal Law Enforcement Efforts Related to Child Labor

Overview of Criminal Law Enforcement

Related Entity

2018

2019

Initial Training for New Criminal Investigators

Mainland

No (7)

Unknown (2)

 

Zanzibar

No (7)

No (2)

Training on New Laws Related to the Worst Forms of Child Labor

Mainland

N/A (7)

Unknown (2)

Training on New Laws Related to the Worst Forms of Child Labor

Zanzibar

N/A (7)

No (2)

Refresher Courses Provided

Mainland

Unknown (7)

Unknown (2)

Refresher Courses Provided

Zanzibar

Yes (7)

No (2)

Number of Investigations

Mainland

Unknown (7)

2 (30)

 

Zanzibar

0 (7)

0 (2)

Number of Violations Found

Mainland

Unknown (7)

5 (30)

 

Zanzibar

0 (7)

0 (2)

Number of Prosecutions Initiated

Mainland

Unknown (7)

2 (30)

 

Zanzibar

0 (7)

0 (2)

Number of Convictions

Mainland

Unknown (7)

2 (30)

 

Zanzibar

0 (7)

0 (2)

Imposed Penalties for Violations Related to the Worst Forms of Child Labor

Mainland

Unknown (7)

Yes (30)

 

Zanzibar

Unknown (7)

Unknown (2)

Reciprocal Referral Mechanism Exists Between Criminal Authorities and Social Services

Mainland

Yes (7)

Yes (2)

 

Zanzibar

Yes (7)

Yes (2)

During the reporting period, 218 law enforcement officials participated in U.S. government-supported trainings related to handling of human trafficking cases, including special methods for interviewing child victims of trafficking. (11,30) However, the Mainland government did not provide information for inclusion in this report on its training for criminal law enforcement officers, including trainings for new investigators, trainings on new laws related to the worse forms of child labor, and refresher courses. (2)

IV. Coordination of Government Efforts on Child Labor

The government has established mechanisms to coordinate its efforts to address child labor (Table 8). However, gaps exist that hinder the effective coordination of efforts to address child labor, including inactive coordinating bodies.

Table 8. Key Mechanisms to Coordinate Government Efforts on Child Labor

Coordinating Body

Related Entity

Role & Description

National Education Task Force on Child Labor

Mainland and Zanzibar

Reviews education sector policies and existing laws, regulations, and strategies related to children's issues, including the National Action Plan. Reviews existing curriculum and programs, identifies gaps, and suggests strategies to resolve barriers to accessing education. (4,63) Research was unable to determine whether the National Education Task Force on Child Labor was active during the reporting period. (2)

Zanzibar Child Labor Steering Committee

Zanzibar

Coordinates various implementing agencies responsible for child labor and provides policy guidance on the Zanzibar National Action Plan to Combat Child Labor. (57) Chaired by Zanzibar's Ministry of Empowerment, Adults, Youth, Women and Children. (60) Research was unable to determine whether the Child Labor Steering Committee was active during the reporting period. (2)

National Protection Steering Committee

Mainland and Zanzibar

Provides overall policy guidance and coordination at the national and local levels of the National Plan of Action to End Violence Against Women and Children (NPA-VAWC) through the merger of the National Inter-Sectoral Coordination Committee and the Multi-Sector Task Force on Violence Against Children. (58,59) Operates the NPA-VAWC National Protection Technical Committee and Thematic Working Groups at the national level. Merges pre-existing committees at the regional and district levels, focusing on violence prevention and response, including the Child Labor Committees, Gender-Based Violence Committees, District Child Protection Teams, and Most Vulnerable Children Committees. (57,59) Research was unable to determine whether the National Protection Steering Committee was active during the reporting period. (2)

National Anti-Trafficking Committee (ATC) and National Anti-Trafficking Secretariat (ATS)

Mainland and Zanzibar

Promotes, defines, and coordinates policy to prevent human trafficking through engagement with local NGOs. (46,58,64) Chaired by the Ministry of Home Affairs, includes representatives from the Prime Minister's Office for Policy, Parliamentary Affairs, Labor, Employment, Youth, and the Disabled. (60) The ATC met once, contributing to the organization of human trafficking awareness events, including a Day of Dialogue and Commemoration Day in July 2019. (11,30)

V. Government Policies on Child Labor

The government has established policies related to child labor (Table 9). However, policy gaps exist that hinder efforts to address child labor, including implementation.

Table 9. Key Policies Related to Child Labor

Policy

Related Entity

Description

National Strategy on Elimination of Child Labour (2018–2022)

Mainland and Zanzibar

Coordinates prevention and responses to the worst forms of child labor at the national level. (65) The government, with the support of the ILO, drafted the National Strategy on Elimination of Child Labor in 2018, but did not launch or take measures to operationalize the policy during the reporting period. (2,66)

National Plan of Action to End Violence Against Women and Children in Tanzania (NPA-VAWC) (2017–2022)

Mainland and Zanzibar

Prevents and responds to all forms of violence against women and children through comprehensive multi-sectoral collaboration at all levels and combining eight national action plans. (59) Details responsible agencies to address multiple challenges, including education and poverty reduction. (57) Research was unable to determine whether activities were undertaken to implement the NPA-VAWC during the reporting period. (2)

‡ The government had other policies that may have addressed child labor issues or had an impact on child labor. (57,58,69)

Tanzania does not have a law requiring free public education, but it does have an education policy that allows children to attend primary school and lower secondary school without paying tuition fees. (70,71) The Mainland government, however, regulates access to secondary education through the Primary School Leaving Examination. Students who do not pass the exam do not have an opportunity to re-take the exam and must drop out of public school at the end of compulsory education at age 14. (58) Despite the government's stated intention to phase out the exam by 2021, there is no evidence of government efforts or preparations to do so. (53,58,72) In 2006, Zanzibar adopted and began implementing the Zanzibar Education Policy, which establishes compulsory education through Form 4, which is approximately age 15. (51,73) However, reporting indicates that implementation of this policy has been slow due to limited resources for schools. The government, moreover, has not included child labor elimination and prevention strategies into the Zanzibar Education Policy. (51) More than half of children in Zanzibar leave the formal education system below the minimum age for work, leaving them at increased risk for child labor. (66-68)

VI. Social Programs to Address Child Labor

In 2019, the government funded and participated in programs that may contribute to eliminating or preventing child labor (Table 10). However, gaps exist in these social programs, including the scope and implementation of programs in all relevant sectors.

Table 10. Key Social Programs to Address Child Labor

Program

Description

Tanzania Social Action Fund Conditional Cash Transfer Program, Phase IV (2019–2023)†

Government-funded conditional cash transfer program to provide financial assistance to vulnerable populations, including children. The program is transitioning to begin implementation of Phase IV, running from 2019 to 2023. The first transfer targets 300,000 poor households and is scheduled for July 1, 2020. (7,66)

Promoting Sustainable Practices to Eradicate Child Labor in Tobacco (PROSPER) Umoja (Unity) (2018–2020)

$900,000 extension project of PROSPER Plus, implemented by Winrock International, the Tanzania Association of Women Leaders in Agriculture and the Environment, and the Tabora Development Foundation Trust, with funding from the Eliminating Child Labor in Tobacco Growing Foundation. Aims to bring together public and private sectors to reduce child labor nationwide, focusing in Kaliua, Sikonge, Tabora, and Urambo. (7,57,74) In 2019, 300 children from families of small-scale tobacco farmers in Taboa, Mbeya, Songwe received scholarships through the PROSPER Umoja program. (26)

Eradicating the Worst Forms of Labor in the Eight Mining Wards of the Geita District, Phase 2 (2015–2019)

$2 million EU-funded, 3 year project implemented by Plan International Tanzania to enhance social protection mechanisms to prevent and improve awareness of child labor among children, parents, and mining employers near Chato, Geita, and Nywangwale. (7,75) Cumulative figures report that the project provided awareness-raising messages to 5,500 small‐scale unregistered miners and supported the removal of 5,472 children from the worst forms of child labor, reintegrating removed children into schools. (2)

Decent Work Country Program (2017–2021)

ILO-supported program that aims to promote job creation, workers' rights, social protection, and social dialogue. Outcomes include an improved operational environment for the elimination of child labor and its worst forms. (57,75,76)

Addressing Decent Work Deficits in the Tobacco Sector in Tanzania (2019–2023)*

ILO-funded program that aims to address decent work deficits, including elimination of child labor, under the ILO's multi-country Integrated Strategy to Address Decent Work Deficits in the Tobacco Sector. (2,79) The project is being implemented in Urambo and Tabora through March 2020. (2) The government provides support for the project by coordinating and providing guidance to stakeholders. (11)

* Program was launched during the reporting period.

† Program is funded by the Government of Tanzania.
‡ The government had other social programs that may have included the goal of eliminating or preventing child labor. (57)

The scope of government-funded social programs is inadequate in that it does not cover construction, mining and quarrying, domestic service, fishing, and informal sectors in which children engage in child labor.

VII. Suggested Government Actions to Eliminate Child Labor

Based on the reporting above, suggested actions are identified that would advance the elimination of child labor in Tanzania (Table 11).

Table 11. Suggested Government Actions to Eliminate Child Labor

Area

Related Entity

Suggested Action

Year(s) Suggested

Legal Framework

Mainland and Zanzibar

Criminalize the recruitment of children under age 18 by non-state armed groups.

2016 – 2019

 

Mainland and Zanzibar

Ensure that minimum age protections apply to all children, including those engaged in domestic work.

2013 – 2019

 

Mainland and Zanzibar

Establish by law a compulsory age for education, which leaves no gap between the age of compulsory education and minimum age for work.

2017 – 2019

 

Mainland

Establish by law free basic public education.

2016 – 2019

 

Mainland

Continue to expand the list of hazardous occupations and activities prohibited for children to ensure that the list includes weeding and processing in the production of tobacco, cloves, coffee, sisal, and tea.

2016 – 2019

 

Mainland

Criminalize the use of children in illicit activities, particularly in producing and trafficking drugs.

2012 – 2019

 

Mainland

Ensure that the law does not prohibit access to education for pregnant girls and sexually active boys.

2017 – 2019

Enforcement

Mainland and Zanzibar

Authorize the Mainland Tanzania and Zanzibar labor inspectorates to assess penalties.

2017 – 2019

 

Zanzibar

Institutionalize training for labor inspectors, including training new labor inspectors at the beginning of their employment, trainings on laws related to the worst forms of child labor, and refresher courses.

2019

 

Mainland

Publish information on child labor law enforcement efforts.

2011 – 2019

 

Mainland and Zanzibar

Ensure that a dedicated labor officer is appointed to each region, and publish this information.

2013 – 2019

 

Mainland and Zanzibar

Increase the number of labor inspectors to meet ILO's technical advice.

2013 – 2019

 

Mainland and Zanzibar

Provide sufficient funding to ensure adequate enforcement of labor laws.

2013 – 2019

 

Zanzibar

Institutionalize training for criminal law enforcement investigators, including by training new investigators, trainings on new laws related to the worst forms of child labor, and refresher courses.

2019

 

Zanzibar

Publish information on penalties imposed for crimes related to the worst forms of child labor.

2019

 

Mainland

Publish information on training for criminal law enforcement officials, including training for new investigators, training on laws related to the worst forms of child labor, and refresher courses.

2012 – 2019

Coordination

Mainland and Zanzibar

Ensure that coordinating committees are active and able to carry out their intended mandates.

2018 – 2019

Government Policies

Mainland and Zanzibar

Ensure the implementation of the National Strategy on Elimination of Child Labor and National Plan of Action to End Violence Against Women and Children in Tanzania.

2018 – 2019

 

Mainland

Eliminate provisions in the Primary School Leaving Examination that are barriers to education, such as the no re-take policy.

2016 – 2019

 

Zanzibar

Incorporate child labor prevention and elimination strategies, and ensure the full implementation of the Zanzibar Education Policy to limit dropouts.

2018 – 2019

Social Programs

Mainland and Zanizbar

Ensure the implementation of government-funded social programs.

2019

 

Mainland and Zanzibar

Enhance efforts to eliminate barriers and make education accessible for all children by eliminating or defraying prohibitive related costs, such as books, school meals, and uniforms, while ensuring schools have adequate resources for students with disabilities and learning disorders.

2010 – 2019

 

Mainland and Zanzibar

Integrate programs that include the construction, mining, quarrying, domestic service, fishing, and informal sectors to address children engaged in child labor.

2017 – 2019

References
  1. ILO and Government of Tanzania. Tanzania Mainland National Child Labor Survey 2014. February 2016.
    http://www.ilo.org/ipec/Informationresources/WCMS_IPEC_PUB_28475/lang--en/index.htm.

  2. U.S. Embassy- Dar es Salaam. Reporting. February 10, 2020.

  3. U.S. Department of State. Trafficking in Persons Report-2019: Tanzania. Washington, DC, 2019.
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