Stop Child Labour - Cross River State Children Parliament Urge C\'River Govt.

Cross River State Children Parliament have called on the State Government to urgently address the issue of child labour in the State.

Speaking under matter of urgent public interest during the 5th Cross River State Children Parliament and second house sitting at the State House of Assembly in Calabar, the representative of Ikom State\’s Constituency, Hon. Rejoice Ndoma Agbor representing Ikom I, constitution maintained that child labour is a serious violation that has affected a lot of children in the State and country large and seek his colleagues support to reverse the trend.

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She further described any employment of children in worth that is harmful to their physical, mental or educational well-being as child labour, adding that the ill inhuman treatment is often demonstrated by exposure to hazardous working conditions leading to injuries, illness and even death, long working hours causing physical strain or fatigue, stigma, shame and low self-esteem due to social isolation and discrimination, increased vulnerability to exploitation, abuse, human trafficking and deprivation of childhood.

She cited that in Ikom local government area the form of child labour that is prevalent is the issue of children working in cocoa farms rather than being in school. Within this area, saying that it is really conspicuous, as cocoa farming is upheld as the most lucrative business. These children are actually deprived of education that is a necessity for holistic child-development, putting both their present and even their future at risk.

The House after considering the devastating reality that robs children of their childhood, dignity and potentials through the practice, called on the government to set-up accessible mechanisms for monitoring and reporting any form of child labour to cop the menace.

The House also called for stiff penalties to be implemented as provided by the law against child labour, trafficking and child marriage.

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The children Parliamentarians urged the government as well as International organizations to tilt attention towards the refugee and street children to ensure that children are protected from child labour, provided with a safe environment and opportunities to thrive.

Other issues discussed during the session in a motion raise by Hon. Egor, Okan Elias representing Ikom II, calling for reconstitution of Cross River State Child Rights Law Implementation Committee to ensure strict compliance to the law and another motion raised by Hon. Divine Victor, representing Akpabuyo, calling for the State government to enhance education and Empowerment system in the state .

Also adopted was a motion to extend maternity leave to six months in the State as presented by Hon. Gabriel Elijah, Akpabuyo.

The House urged the State government to establish a compulsory six-month leave for all nursing mothers cut across all working sectors and raised the need to sensitize them on the importance of exclusive feeding to to their babies.

Representative of the donor agency, Save the Children international, Mr Omede Eyimofe Samuel stated that Save the Children International is saddled with the responsibility of advocating and promoting child participation in decision making especially in governance.

He disclosed that the organisation is the leading agency currently addressing child labour in cocoa producing zones in Cross River and Ondo States and sue for cooperation from stakeholders.

The parliamentary session was witnessed by the Speaker of the Cross River State House of Assembly. Rt. Hon. Elvert Eyambem, Commissioner for Women Affairs, Hon . Edema Irom amongst other functionaries of the 10th Assembly.

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