By Ma Ma - Jun 14, 2024

The International Labor Organization (ILO) announced on June 12 that there is an increase in the number of child laborers in the country and the need to protect children.

According to the findings of a study by the ILO in some states and divisions, child labor is increasing due to various factors, and it is also stated that the parents themselves are willing to work as child labor to avoid military service.

A resident of Shwe Pya Thar Township said, "My son is 14 years old, and he has an adolescent body. So, I keep him to work at his aunt’s store. It is not because of the money but to make him safe for the time being as there are safety concerns in our areas.”

The rate of young people leaving the country has increased after the coup, and there was a labor shortage in the country. In this situation, the employers used more child labors.

"Nowadays, we only get child laborers to hire. There are hardly any adults. Actually, child laborers are not suitable everywhere. The rate they can do is limited. I don't want to force them. I feel like I'm not getting equivalent workload for the salary I paid,” said a pork skillet shopkeeper.

The International Labor Organization also reported an increase in domestic child labor, but did not specify the number.

Around the world, the number of child laborers is approximately 160 million and 79 million of them are involved in hazardous work.