By Ma Ma - Apr 15, 2024
Accroding to the local business operators. businesses are using more child labor than ever before due to the shortage of domestic labor force.
Some businessmen believe that the use of child labor in the country has been around for a long time and is currently on the rise due to the labor shortage and the economic crisis.
“Initially, children were not employed. I think it's not worth hiring child labor because the benefits are carefully calculated. Most people thought that they can hire child labor with little wages and they call search them anytime they want. I can't find workers for the shop. Old workers left and I am not sure if they will come back after Thingyan. I am facing a lot of labor problems. I started to hire two child workers. But I have to teach them a lot as they are barely children,” said a pork skillet shop owner.
Child labor is used in domestic food, construction, domestic worker and agriculture and small sole proprietorships businesses industries. Many child laborers are found in Yangon and Irrawaddy Region and Karen State according to the ILO's statement in June, 2023, more than 70 percent of working children said that are trying to solve their families’ financial issues.
“More than half of working children say they would like to continue their education if given the chance. This reflects the extent to which jobs hinders their desire to go to school. “The covid-19 epidemic and the political crisis, the conflicts that are happening all over the country make this situation worse," said the ILO's liaison officer/country representative for Myanmar. Donglin Li said.
Plans have been established to eliminate child labor, but effective action is weak. Entrepreneurs also say that there is a significant shortage of labor force after the military service law is enacted in the country, and this shortage is like a way to use more child labor.
“Factories didn’t hire child labors in the past because of many problems they would face. But they started to hire them since before Thingyan. Most people from factories go back to their towns and others fled to avoid conscription. Therefore, factories doesn’t bother their age if they are a little bit burly
“said a garment worker.
According to the 2015 census, there are more than 1.1 million child laborers in Myanmar, and there are many violations upon their rights as well.
