Uganda has 2 million child laborers, says new report

By Oyet Okwera                       

European Union (EU) has launched a survey and legal assessment reports on child domestic workers in Uganda.

This report will act as a point of reference for child rights activists as they fight for rights of the vulnerable children.

Thomas Millar, the head of section under governance and human rights at EU said this during the launching ceremony of the report on Thursday at hotel Africana.

Millar said "As we strengthen protection of the vulnerable children, we need to unite and share ideas through one point of reference to achieve the goals of upholding the rights of children. Different stakeholders should use recommendations in the report and follow existing laws to hold perpetrators of child abuse accountable for their actions."

Millar advised all civil society organizations to use the laws available and strengthen what was ratified in parliament for effective judicial process.

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Civil society organizations and other stakeholders take a group photography at hotel Africana after launching the report on child domestic workers


This report follows EU's financial support of sh9b, last year, while commissioning a project called stopping violence against child and young domestic workers through education and regulation.

The implementing partners include; International day of the African youth and child (IDAY),   The African network for the prevention and protection against child abuse and neglect (ANPPCAN) and national council for children (NCC).

Martin Kiiza, secretary general at NCC, noted that in Uganda, 90% of child domestic workers are girls. Over 2 million children are engaged in child labour and the employers of domestic workers are aged 30-39 years.

"The launch of this report is important for all of us in ensuing that the findings are translated into action. These findings should inform advocacy efforts to ensure maximum protection of the domestic workers," said Kiiza

Fred Kakembo, board member at IDAY-international said this report will guide policy makers and sensitize on the salient issues affecting child and young domestic workers.

The report shows that 26% of the domestic workers were below the age of 18 years while 28% were aged between 18-20 years

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