Together, we can eliminate child labour

Editor, I wish to commend the Executive Secretary of the National Commission for Children (NCC), Zaina Nyiramatama, who said recently that the institution was working closely with other government institutions to promote children rights.

Wednesday, March 28, 2012
All children need to have their rights respected. The New Times / File.

Editor,I wish to commend the Executive Secretary of the National Commission for Children (NCC), Zaina Nyiramatama, who said recently that the institution was working closely with other government institutions to promote children rights.The Ministry of Public Service and Labour has also been working to eliminate child labour  in the country. Recently, information from the ministry had shown that there was a major drop in this illegal practice. That various public institutions have teamed up to step up the campaign is an indication that the government is committed to get rid of child labour once and for all.However, there is need to educate the masses over issues that might affect the healthy growth of children and to ensure that the latter are adequately aware of their rights and how they can strive for them. That should be a priority to everyone.The line ministry needs also to deploy labour inspectors in all districts. This, I believe, will help identify indivisuals and organizations that perpetuate child labour. While it’s encouraging that a research conducted by the NCC shows that child labour is not a menace in Rwanda, there is no reason whatsoever why a child in the country should continue to bear the brunt of hard labour. They should all be in school because the government has made education affordable to everyone.Edin BarenziKigali