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Last Updated : 2024-04-26 12:28:00
“The International Labour Organization (ILO) convention 182 Section III clearly states that using children for illicit activities such as begging is one of the ‘worst forms of child labour’ since the circumstances in which it is carried out, is likely to harm the health, safety and morals of children,” ILO – Sri Lanka Senior Programmes Officer (Employment and Child Labour Focal Points) Shyama Salgado said. Ms. Salgado pointed out that since most children used for begging are very young and are in no position to object to being exploited and also since they are unable to leave the ‘networks’ they are employed in, in a hurry, it is also considered as a form of forced labour. “Most of the children used for begging fall into the age category declared by the government as the age of compulsory education (5 - 16). Moreover, they are vulnerable for sexual exploitation and other forms of abuse. Therefore, using children to beg is in violation of not one but several child rights including protection, education and nutrition,” she added. |
A top official of the Probation and Childcare Services Department who wished to remain anonymous, commenting on the welfare and protection of children used as beggars said their role in the issue was limited to accommodating children in relevant homes as directed by the Courts. “Even accommodating the children is carried out by the provincial probation officials. So the role of the national branch is actually quite limited,” the official added. |
The National Child Protection Authority (NCPA) Chairman, Anoma Dissanayake said attention has been shed on making changes to existing protocol and regulations followed in cases of children employed as beggars, in order to systematically facilitate a family-based rehabilitation system instead of separating the children from their families. “These children are encouraged to beg on the streets by their parents. There are mothers who give away their infants/toddlers on rent to beggars. So the important factor is to address reasons that have pushed these men/women into encouraging their children to beg and break the cycle. We conduct various awareness campaigns but they alone have not been adequate. This is why projects such as those initiated by the Child Development and Women’s Affairs Ministry for single women to initiate self employment ventures are important. In our capacity we have also initiated the ‘Surakna’ project that operate as shelters for abused, neglected children,” she added. Speaking further Ms. Dissanayake however went on to state that more had to be done in order to eradicate exploitation of children and urged the public to be vigilant and immediately report abuse/exploitation of children to the Labour Department, Police or the NCPA hotline on 1929. |
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