2020 Findings on the Worst Forms of Child Labor: Rwanda

 
Moderate Advancement

In 2020, Rwanda made moderate advancement in efforts to combat the worst forms of child labor. The government passed a new education law that incorporates provisions to address barriers to education for girls and children with disabilities. Rwanda also released two child labor studies measuring child labor prevalence in specific districts across the country and continued to significantly increase its number of labor inspections, including child labor inspections. In addition, the government centralized its child rights protection efforts with the creation of the National Child Development Agency. Rwanda also began implementing a new labor procedure manual that provides guidance to local authorities on roles and responsibilities for child labor law enforcement. Although Rwanda made meaningful efforts across all relevant areas during the reporting period, reports indicate that government officials have detained children subjected to commercial sexual exploitation and forced street begging in transit centers intended for individuals demonstrating so-called deviant behaviors, in which children often experience physical abuse. Children in Rwanda are subjected to the worst forms of child labor, including in forced domestic work, sometimes as a result of human trafficking. Children also perform dangerous tasks in mining, including carrying heavy loads. The number of labor inspectors does not meet the International Labor Organization's technical advice for the size of the workforce. Finally, social programs do not address all relevant sectors in which child labor is present.

I. Prevalence and Sectoral Distribution of Child Labor

Children in Rwanda are subjected to the worst forms of child labor, including in forced domestic work, sometimes as a result of human trafficking. Children also perform dangerous tasks in mining, including carrying heavy loads. (1-3) Table 1 provides key indicators on children's work and education in Rwanda.

Table 1. Statistics on Children's Work and Education

Children

Age

Percent

Working (% and population)

6 to 14

5.4 (156,522)

Working children by sector

6 to 14

 

Agriculture

 

78.9

Industry

 

3.2

Services

 

17.9

Attending School (%)

6 to 14

89.4

Combining Work and School (%)

7 to 14

4.9

Primary Completion Rate (%)

 

97.4

Source for primary completion: Data from 2019, published by UNESCO Institute for Statistics, 2021. (4)
Source for all other data: International Labor Organization's analysis of statistics from Integrated Household Living Conditions Survey (EICV-5), 2016–2017. (2)

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

Forestry activities (5)

 

Production of sugarcane, rice, bananas, beans, coffee, manioc, pineapples, and potatoes, including carrying heavy loads† and wielding machetes (6)

 

Production of tea, including applying fertilizers,† carrying heavy loads,† planting, plucking tea leaves, and weeding (6-8)

 

Fishing† (5)

 

Herding cattle and caring for pigs, sheep, goats, and chickens (6,9,10)

Industry

Construction,† including laying and making bricks (1,6,11,12)

 

Mining† tantalum ore (coltan) and quarrying (1,6,11,13)

 

Producing charcoal (6)

Services

Domestic work† (6,11,12,14,15)

 

Repair and cleaning of motorcycles and motor vehicles (11,16)

 

Street work, including collecting scrap metal,† carrying heavy loads as porters,† begging, and small-scale vending (6,16-18)

Categorical Worst Forms of Child Labor‡

Commercial sexual exploitation, sometimes as a result of human trafficking (15,16,19)

 

Forced labor in agricultural and domestic work, each sometimes as a result of human trafficking (9,12,14,20)

† 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.

Although Rwanda is not a major destination for child trafficking, it is a source and transit country for child victims, primarily those from Rwanda and neighboring countries trafficked to Saudi Arabia, Uganda, Kenya, and elsewhere in East Africa and the Middle East. (9,10) Within Rwanda, young girls are forced into domestic servitude and commercial sexual exploitation, and boys are exploited in forced labor in the agricultural and industrial sectors, including on plantations and in mines. (10,15,19,21)

National data show that approximately 3.6 percent of all children in Rwanda are engaged in child labor, primarily in the agriculture and services sectors. (5,22) In 2020, Rwanda's National Commission for Human Rights released its "Analysis of Child Labor and Its Impact on Child Rights in Rwanda," a survey of working children between the ages of 5 and 17 from 11 districts in the country. Over half of the respondents indicated they performed some type of hazardous labor, including carrying heavy loads, working in construction and brick kilns, and mining. (3,8)

Poverty was identified as the key factor contributing to child labor, which in turn contributed to school dropout. (3,8) Officials have indicated that children in mining often drop out of school and work in abandoned artisanal mines with their parents. At least two children were killed while engaged in illegal mining during the reporting period, while two others were rescued with serious injuries. (8)

During the reporting period, the government identified street begging as a growing problem in the country, noting that some families were renting out their children to individuals who would collect earnings from the children and pay a percentage to the families. Children begging on streets typically worked almost 11 hours per day and were at risk of not returning to school. (8,9)

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, schools were closed in March of 2020 and did not begin a phased reopening until November, with pre-primary and primary grades delayed until January of 2021. The government launched audio lessons via national radio in response to the pandemic, and monitoring data showed that over half of school-age children were utilizing the broadcasts. (8) While lack of radio access prevented some families from utilizing the resource, the government also established local level back-to-school committees to ensure vulnerable children returned to school. (8)

Although the Ministry of Education established a policy that provides free basic education for 12 years, of which the first 9 are compulsory, in practice, the costs of uniforms, school supplies, and unofficial school fees may preclude some families from sending their children to school. (21-24) In January 2020, the Ministry of Education issued a statement expressing concern that schools were levying excessive school fees on families and prohibited schools from increasing fees during the first term of the 2019–2020 school year. (1,22) Furthermore, children with disabilities face particular difficulties accessing education due to stigma and because schools lack the capacity to accommodate special needs. (8,25,26)

II. Legal Framework for Child Labor

Rwanda 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 Rwanda's legal framework to adequately protect children from the worst forms of child labor, including the difference between the minimum age for work and the compulsory age for education.

Table 4. Laws and Regulations on Child Labor

Standard

Meets International Standards

Age

Legislation

Minimum Age for Work

Yes

16

Article 5 of the Labor Law; Article 9 of the Ministerial Instruction Relating to Prevention and Fight Against Child Labor (27,28)

Minimum Age for Hazardous Work

Yes

18

Article 6 of the Labor Law (27)

Identification of Hazardous Occupations or Activities Prohibited for Children

Yes

 

Article 6 of the Labor Law; Articles 4–6 of the Ministerial Order Determining the List of Worst Forms of Child Labor; Kigali City Guidelines 2012-02; Articles 7–9 of the Ministerial Instruction Relating to the Prevention and Fight against Child Labor (27-30)

Prohibition of Forced Labor

Yes

 

Articles 3.25 and 7 of the Labor Law; Article 178 of the Penal Code; Article 51 of the Law Relating to the Rights and Protection of the Child; Article 9 of the Ministerial Instruction Relating to Prevention and Fight against Child Labor (27,28,31,32)

Prohibition of Child Trafficking

Yes

 

Articles 3.4, 3.6, 3.7, and 18–20 of the Law on Prevention, Suppression, and Punishment of Trafficking in Persons; Article 28 of the Law on Prevention and Punishment of Gender-Based Violence; Articles 225, 251, and 259–262 of the Penal Code; Article 51 of the Law Relating to the Rights and Protection of the Child; Article 31 of the Law Relating to the Protection of the Child; Article 9 of the Ministerial Instruction Relating to Prevention and Fight against Child Labor (28,31-35)

Prohibition of Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children

Yes

 

Articles 3.2 and 24 of the Law on Prevention, Suppression, and Punishment of Trafficking in Persons; Articles 190, 211, and 260 of the Penal Code; Article 51 of the Law Relating to the Rights and Protection of the Child; Articles 34–35 of the Law Relating to the Protection of the Child; Article 9 of the Ministerial Instruction Relating to Prevention and Fight against Child Labor (28,31,32,34,35)

Prohibition of Using Children in Illicit Activities

Yes

 

Article 220 of the Penal Code; Article 51 of the Law Relating to the Rights and Protection of the Child; Article 9 of the Ministerial Instruction Relating to Prevention and Fight against Child Labor; Article 263 of the Law Determining Offenses and Penalties in General (28,31,32,36)

Minimum Age for Voluntary State Military Recruitment

Yes

18

Article 5 of Presidential Order 72/01 Establishing Army General Statutes; Article 7 of Presidential Order 32/01 Establishing Rwanda Defense Forces Special Statute; Article 50 of the Law Relating to the Rights and Protection of the Child (31,37,38)

Prohibition of Compulsory Recruitment of Children by (State) Military

N/A*

 

Article 5 of Presidential Order 72/01 Establishing Army General Statutes; Articles 99(8) and 100(2) of the Law Determining Offenses and Penalties in General (36,37)

Prohibition of Military Recruitment by Non-state Armed Groups

Yes

 

Article 221 of the Penal Code (32)

Compulsory Education Age

No

12

Article 47 of the Law Relating to the Rights and Protection of the Child; Articles 55-58 of the Law Determining the Organisation of Education (31,39)

Free Public Education

No

 

Article 47 of the Law Relating to the Rights and Protection of the Child; Articles 55-58 of the Law Determining the Organisation of Education (31,39)

* No conscription (31,37,38)

The Ministry of Education and Parliament passed a new education law in late December 2020 and published it in February 2021, stipulating that primary education is free and compulsory up to the first 6 years of schooling. The legislation however, does not provide for free and compulsory secondary education. (8,39) Although Rwanda has adopted policies to implement fee-free 12 years basic education and compulsory education through age 16, the national education law states that education is compulsory only up to age 12 and does not provide for free basic education through the first 9 years of schooling. (22,39) The new education law also establishes English as the primary language of instruction, which may create a barrier to education for children whose first language is not English. (8,39) Furthermore, the age up to which education is compulsory makes children between ages 12 and 16 vulnerable to child labor because they are not legally required to attend school but are not legally permitted to work.

The new education law mandates that all public schools, including primary schools, provide safe rooms with sanitary and medical supplies for female students on their menstrual cycle. The effort is intended to address a key factor in female student absenteeism. (39,40) The law also establishes special education provisions for disabled children and children with learning disabilities. (39)

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 operations of enforcement agencies that may hinder adequate enforcement of their child labor laws.

Table 5. Agencies Responsible for Child Labor Law Enforcement

Organization/Agency

Role

Ministry of Public Service and Labor (MIFOTRA)

Enforces labor laws, including laws on child labor. (41) In partnership with the Ministry of Education, reintegrates children withdrawn from child labor with their families and enrolls them in school. Mobilizes other ministries and agencies providing social services, including the Ministry of Gender and Family Promotion, the National Child Development Agency (NCDA), the Ministry of Justice, and the Ministry of Local Government, to take an active role in child labor law enforcement. (1)

Rwandan National Police (RNP)

Enforce criminal laws related to the worst forms of child labor and operate a free hotline to report incidents of gender-based violence or child abuse, including child labor. Through its Child Protection Unit and Anti-Trafficking Unit, enforces laws related to the worst forms of child labor. (1,19,24) It is unknown how many calls to the hotline, if any, were related to child labor.

Rwanda Investigation Bureau

Conducts investigations into criminal matters, including child labor. In the case of the Directorate for Anti-Gender-Based Violence, assists victims of the worst forms of child labor through anti-gender-based violence officers at each of the country’s 78 police stations. (1)

National Public Prosecution Authority (NPPA)

Prosecutes violations of labor laws, including laws on child labor. (1) Through its anti-Gender Based Violence unit, 12 prosecutors work with an additional 60 prosecutors trained in handling relevant cases at the district level. (42)

Directorate General of Immigration and Emigration

Receives referrals for human trafficking cases and employs an anti-trafficking specialist. Trains border and immigration officials to identify potential human trafficking victims and verify that children transported across the border are traveling with the permission of their parents or guardians. (1)

Labor Law Enforcement

In 2020, labor law enforcement agencies in Rwanda took actions to combat child labor (Table 6). However, gaps exist within the operations of the Ministry of Public Service and Labor (MIFOTRA) that may hinder adequate labor law enforcement, including human resource allocation.

Table 6. Labor Law Enforcement Efforts Related to Child Labor

Overview of Labor Law Enforcement

2019

2020

Labor Inspectorate Funding

$391,000 (8)

$257,000 (8)

Number of Labor Inspectors

36 (7)

36 (8)

Inspectorate Authorized to Assess Penalties

Yes (27,43)

Yes (27,43)

Initial Training for New Labor Inspectors

Yes (22)

Yes (8)

Training on New Laws Related to Child Labor

Yes (22)

Yes (8)

Refresher Courses Provided

Yes (22)

Yes (8)

Number of Labor Inspections Conducted

2,150 (43)

8,712 (8)

Number Conducted at Worksite

2,150 (25)

8,712 (8)

Number of Child Labor Violations Found

393 (43)

624 (44)

Number of Child Labor Violations for Which Penalties Were Imposed

Unknown

6 (8)

Number of Child Labor Penalties Imposed that Were Collected

Unknown

6 (8)

Routine Inspections Conducted

Yes (22)

Yes (8)

Routine Inspections Targeted

Yes (22)

Yes (8)

Unannounced Inspections Permitted

Yes (45)

Yes (45)

Unannounced Inspections Conducted

Yes (25)

Yes (8)

Complaint Mechanism Exists

Yes (22)

Yes (8)

Reciprocal Referral Mechanism Exists Between Labor Authorities and Social Services

Yes (22)

Yes (8)

During the reporting period, MIFOTRA conducted 4 initial training sessions for new inspectors, 10 training sessions specifically on child labor laws, and 4 refresher courses for inspectors. The government also collaborated with the USAID-funded Strengthening Rwandan Administrative Justice project to develop professional courses on labor inspections, international labor standards, mediation, social dialogue, and safety and health for the labor inspectorate, but implementation of the courses was delayed due to the pandemic. (8)

In 2020, the labor inspectorate again significantly increased its number of labor inspections. Of the 8,712 inspections conducted, 720 focused on child labor, resulting in the identification of 624 child labor violations. (8,44) Six of the child labor violations identified in 2020 resulted in Rwanda Investigation Bureau investigations and referrals to the National Public Prosecution Authority for prosecution. (8)

The number of labor inspectors is likely insufficient for the size of Rwanda's workforce, which includes more than 6 million workers. According to the ILO's technical advice of a ratio approaching 1 inspector for every 40,000 workers in less developing economies, Rwanda would employ about 156 labor inspectors. (46,47) Despite MIFOTRA’s indication that the labor inspectorate was sufficiently funded, research indicates that low resources, lack of personnel, high workloads, and a lack of training may limit labor inspectors' ability to enforce child labor laws and perform onsite inspections. (4,8) Reports indicate that officials at the local level had difficulty identifying characteristics of child trafficking and child labor. (42)

Criminal Law Enforcement

In 2020, criminal law enforcement agencies in Rwanda took actions to combat child labor (Table 7). However, gaps exist within the operations of the Rwandan National Police that may hinder adequate criminal law enforcement, including investigation planning.

Table 7. Criminal Law Enforcement Efforts Related to Child Labor

Overview of Criminal Law Enforcement

2019

2020

Initial Training for New Criminal Investigators

Yes (22)

Yes (8)

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

Yes (22)

Yes (8)

Refresher Courses Provided

Yes (22)

Yes (8)

Number of Investigations

Unknown

6 (8)

Number of Violations Found

Unknown

6 (8)

Number of Prosecutions Initiated

Unknown

6 (8)

Number of Convictions

Unknown

0 (8)

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

Yes (22)

Yes (8)

Reciprocal Referral Mechanism Exists Between Criminal Authorities and Social Services

Yes (22)

Yes (8)

The government has acknowledged detaining thousands of street children per a 2017 law establishing a National Rehabilitation Service to address “deviant behavior” and the accompanying 2018 Ministerial Order, which defines deviant behavior to include prostitution, begging, and informal street vending. (48,49) Under the purview of these laws, authorities may detain children for exhibiting deviant behavior and place children in a transit center before transferring them to a rehabilitation center or reintegrating them into the community. (19) The government maintains that the purpose of the laws and the transit centers is to rescue children from the street and to provide them with life skills before reuniting them with their families. (50) However, since some types of child labor are included in the 2018 Ministerial Order definition of "deviant behavior," children engaged in commercial sexual exploitation, forced begging, and street vending may be penalized for their engagement in child labor. (49) Sources report that children subjected to commercial sexual exploitation and forced street begging have been detained in the transit centers, in part due to weak screening by law enforcement officials to identify victims of human trafficking. (19,51) Research indicates that children placed in the primary transit center located in Kigali, also known as Gikondo, faced overcrowding, unsanitary conditions, insufficient food or water, and physical abuse. (41,48,52) Rehabilitation services at the centers were limited, and children were detained for prolonged periods at transit centers before being referred to a rehabilitation facility. (53,54)

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 implementation.

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

Coordinating Body

Role & Description

Inter-Ministerial Steering Committee on Child Labor

Coordinates government efforts related to the worst forms of child labor, reviews child labor laws, advocates the inclusion of child labor policies in national development plans, oversees the implementation of child labor interventions, and conducts field visits to assess the prevalence of child labor and raise awareness of child labor. (1) MIFOTRA coordinates and provides monitoring and evaluation, including the publication of annual updates on program and policy implementation related to child labor. (55)In 2020, the committee moved to a biweekly meeting schedule and held at least one seminar on child labor with committee members. (44)

Inter-Agency Working Group on Human Trafficking

Enables national-level discussion and coordination of efforts to address human trafficking, including child labor. Includes representatives of the Ministry of Gender and Family Promotion (MIGEPROF), the Ministry of Justice, RNP, and NPPA. (1,8) The working group met once every 2 months during the reporting period. (44)

MIGEPROF’s National Child Development Agency (NCDA)*

Formed in 2020 through Law N. 012/2020 of August 28, 2020, replaces the dissolved National Child Commission (NCC) and the National Early Childhood Development Program (NECD) in an effort to centralize the implementation of child's rights protection efforts. Assumes the duties of the NCC and NECD of monitoring, promoting, and advocating children's rights, and developing action plans to protect children from abuse and exploitation. (1,8,56,57)

Child Labor Steering Committees

Monitor incidents of child labor nationwide and implement policies developed by the Inter-Ministerial Steering Committee on Child Labor in 30 districts by coordinating with district-level officials in enforcing labor laws and providing social services to child labor victims. (1) In the case of Gender-Based Violence Committees, operate at the district level to raise awareness about gender-based violence and coordinate social services to assist gender-based violence victims. In the case of Child Protection Committees, identify and report cases of child rights violations at the district, sector, and cell levels. (1,15) Although established by policy in 2018, research has since been unable to identify any meaningful activities or efforts, particularly at the sector and cell levels. Research was again unable to determine whether the local committees were active during the reporting period. (44)

* Mechanism to coordinate efforts to address child labor was created during the reporting period.

Reports indicate that poor coordination and resource constraints hindered efforts to combat human trafficking and that efforts were focused only on transnational rather than also on domestic human trafficking. (1,19,42)

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 mainstreaming child labor issues into relevant policies.

Table 9. Key Policies Related to Child Labor

Policy

Description

Strategic Plan for Integrated Child Rights Policy 2019–2024

Aims to improve coordination and implementation issues in child protection, including strategies to address child labor. Revised in 2018 to focus on key areas of identity and nationality; family and alternative care; health, survival and standard of living; education; protection; justice; and participation. (58) Research was unable to determine whether activities were undertaken to implement the Strategic Plan during the reporting period.

Rwanda Urban Development Project Labor Management Procedure†

Implemented in 2020, lays out specific responsibilities for the already-existing Ministry of Local Government (MINALOC) to monitor and enforce child labor laws at the local level. Mandates that appointed local authorities conduct inspections and enforce child labor laws for rural development projects. (8,59) The appointed authorities will also field child labor complaints from Grievance Redress Committees established at local worksites. (8,59)

† Policy was approved during the reporting period

Rwanda adopted a new National Social Protection Policy in 2020 that aims to assist families living in poverty and includes measures to ensure access to education for children and to provide livelihood development. Although the plan acknowledges that poverty is a root cause of child labor, the prevention or elimination of child labor is not integrated into the policy. (64)

VI. Social Programs to Address Child Labor

In 2020, the government funded and participated in programs that include the goal of preventing child labor (Table 10). However, gaps exist in these social programs, including the adequacy to address the problem in all sectors.

Table 10. Key Social Programs to Address Child Labor

Program

Description

Programs to Combat Child Labor and Raise Awareness†

Includes MIGEPROF's campaign to teach parents and community leaders to recognize risk factors for human trafficking and to identify victims; and the Friends of the Family Program (Incuti Z'Umuryango), which trains volunteers to prevent and respond to child protection issues and establishes monitoring committees at various levels to combat child labor. (1) During the reporting period, the Friends of the Family Program managed over 600 cases of child labor, child trafficking, and other cases involving abuses against children. (8) In addition, MIFOTRA partnered with USAID to air a series of talk shows focusing on child labor, in which MIFOTRA officials fielded questions and complaints from the public regarding child labor enforcement. MIFOTRA also provided technical assistance in the development of a USAID mini-movie focusing on child labor. (44)

Victim Assistance Programs†

Musanze Child Rehabilitation Center in Northern Province assists children separated from armed groups in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. (26) Gitagata Center provides education, vocational training, and psychosocial support, and aims to reunite former street children with their families. "One-Stop" centers located in 44 hospitals and district capitals assist victims of gender-based violence and human trafficking. (1,65) In 2020, the government continued to support the Musanze center and one-stop centers, and the Rwandan Demobilization and Reintegration Commission, which assumes responsibility for Rwandan child soldiers returning from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, reported that it had provided services to 82 children during the reporting period. (9,26)

It Takes Every Rwandan to End Child Exploitation

Advocacy campaign against child labor and sexual abuse of children supported by MIGEPROF, the National Commission for Children, and World Vision Rwanda. (1,60) As part of the campaign, in 2020 the Ministry of Labor-associated Rwanda Extractive Industry Workers Union carried out a rapid assessment of child labor in the districts of Muhanga, Rwamagana, Gicumbi, and Gakenke, which found that children worked across the agriculture, services, and industry sectors, often performing hazardous work. (6)

Strengthening Social Protection Project (2017–2021)

An $80 million World Bank-funded project in support of the Vision 2020 Umurenge Program, aims to deliver cash transfers and improve social safety nets. (66) In early 2021, the project was restructured to extend the end date by 6 months and to reallocate funding sources to bolster implementation funds for the Home-based Early Childhood Development and Sustainable Livelihoods Enhancement portions of the project. (67)

The Children's Forum

Provides a platform at the village, cell, sector, and district levels for children to express their opinions and be heard on matters concerning their lives, family, and country, which are incorporated into government plans of action and considered during the development of policies and programs. Managed by the NCDA and MINALOC, comprises children between ages 6 and 15. (22) In 2020, the 14th National Children's Summit highlighted the role the forums have played at influencing national policies related to child protection in Rwanda. (68)

† Program is funded by the Government of Rwanda.
‡ The government had other social programs that may have included the goal of eliminating or preventing child labor. (69)

Although Rwanda has programs that target child labor, the scope of these programs is insufficient to address the extent of the child labor problem in the agriculture sector and domestic work. (19,42) Observers indicate that despite efforts to protect and assist victims of human trafficking, the country's shelter system was focused on short-term needs, with few resources for individuals needing long-term support. (10,21) In addition, service providers lacked sufficient training to properly identify and categorize victims of human trafficking. (10)

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 Rwanda (Table 11).

Table 11. Suggested Government Actions to Eliminate Child Labor

Area

Suggested Action

Year(s) Suggested

Legal Framework

Establish by law compulsory education up to the age of 15 and free basic public education.

2020

 

Raise the compulsory education age to be consistent with the minimum age for employment.

2020

Enforcement

Disaggregate the number of complaints received by the Rwandan National Police's hotline and the National Public Prosecution Authority's investigations that relate to child labor.

2013 – 2020

 

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

2009 – 2020

 

Ensure that the labor inspectorate has sufficient resources, personnel, and training to enforce child labor laws.

2017 – 2020

 

Cease the practice of detaining and beating children who work on the street and ensure that children in detention receive adequate screening and services, and are not subjected to abuse or unhealthy detention conditions.

2018 – 2020

Coordination

Ensure all coordinating bodies are able to carry out their intended mandates.

2019 – 2020

 

Ensure that coordinating bodies receive adequate resources and are able to combat both domestic and transnational human trafficking.

2019 – 2020

Government Policies

Ensure that actions are taken to implement the Strategic Plan for the Integrated Child Rights Policy.

2019 – 2020

 

Integrate child labor elimination and prevention strategies into the National Social Protection Strategy.

2011 – 2020

 

Remove barriers to education, such as language barriers for non-English speakers, costs for uniforms, school supplies, and unofficial school fees, and ensure access for children with disabilities.

2010 – 2020

 

Expand existing social programs to address all relevant sectors of child labor, including agriculture and domestic work.

2017 – 2020

 

Expand services for human trafficking victims, including programs for long-term care in shelters.

2019 – 2020

 

Ensure that service providers are properly trained to identify victims of human trafficking.

2019 – 2020

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