Child Labour Rampant in Benin Despite Prohibitive Laws

The adoption of many laws aimed at protecting children against the worst forms of labour in Benin is still ineffective in fighting the problem. Early in the morning scores of children, particularly girls aged under 17, invade the streets, public squares and markets in Cotonou peddling various items such as tins of food, bread, iced water and market garden produce.

“The causes of this problem are chiefly the poverty among families and communities, the lack economic opportunities for the youths”, says Alfred Tchaboua.

He adds that some parents trust the custody of their children to relatives.

Most of the child peddlers, who come from poor families, are placed under the authority of their relatives who exploit them for economic purposes, he says.

“My boss awakes me early in the morning to make fire, heat water and take care of her children. I have also to sweep the house before going to sell iced water at the esplanade of Amitié stadium in Cotonou. She usually insults, starves and beats me”, said Akuavi, 15, carrying an icebox on her head in the scorching sun in front of the stadium.

Like Akuavi, thousands of children throng building sites or workshops to provide free labor.

“My father entrusted me to my boss so that I work with him in house building sites until I am 18 to serve as a bricklayer’s apprentice,” said Simon, who is hardly 10.

The number of working children aged between five and 14 numbered 484,354, including 276,081 boys and 208,273 girls, according to a February 2002 census.

According to the survey, the working children are found in about 50 businesses relating to the craft industry, informal trade, cheap restaurants and household work.

The boys usually work in the craft industry as apprentices, whereas the girls peddle goods in the streets and are therefore exposed to traffic accidents or sexual abuse, the survey said.

The Children Rights Convention states that children everywhere have a right to protection from harmful influences and forms of exploitation prejudicial to any aspect of their mental, physical, moral or social welfare.

These rights are confirmed in the Beninese labor code of 27 January 1998 which bans work for children under 14 but allows “soft” work which does not affect their health for those aged between 12 and 13.

In addition, there is a decree which bans work at night and any activity for children, particularly in mines or the transportation of heavy loads, which is prejudicial to a child’s security.

A 2004 law set the minimum age for running a business at 18 years.

Source African Press Agency

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