Combating the Worst Forms of Child Labour in the Caribbean (Phase II)

The Projects (RLA/01/02/CAN, RLA/03/02/CAN, RLA/05/50/CAN, and RLA/06/50/CAN) were aimed at contributing to the elimination of the worst forms of child labour in the English- and Dutch speaking Caribbean by developing the sub-regional capacity for the promotion and effective national implementation of policies and programmes that give effect to Convention No. 182. Prior to the launch of the project in October 2001, child labour and more so, the worst forms of child labour hardly classified as relevant and familiar concepts in the English- and Dutch-speaking Caribbean. There was no common framework to analyse street children, children who were victims of commercial sexual exploitation, children in illegal activity nor children in hazardous work. Hitherto, no focused attempt was made to address the needs of these children and adolescents through policy or programmatic intervention. Very little research existed on the plight of child labourers. Data from rapid assessment studies conducted during the project suggested that many of these idle, abandoned and rejected young people were enticed into gangs, commercial sexual activity and other illicit activity. Key informants revealed disturbing information on the commercial sexual exploitation of children and the involvement of children in hazardous and illicit activity. The research findings presented an opportunity for the introduction of the IPEC philosophy and analytical framework to assist stakeholders to understand and plan for the factors that contributed to the premature entry of children into the labour market.

Project symbol

RLA/03/02/CAN

Admin unit

DWT/CO-Port-of-Spain

Start date

01/04/2003

End date

30/09/2008

Total allocation

741406

Total expenditure

Status

Closed

741406

Development Partners

Canada, Human Resources and Social Development Canada, International Labour Affairs

Country/Countries

Central America

Outcomes

Increase constituent and development partner capacity to develop or implement policies or measures focused on reducing child labour