Statistics issued by the Public Authority for Civil Information show there are more than a million children — citizens and residents – aged between one day and 18 years old.

In the face of this the International Day for the Prevention of Child Labor confirms the need to implement intensive inspection campaigns to punish anyone who breaks the law, at a time when Kuwait is keen to provide protection for children and take the necessary measures to care for them and prevent their exploitation saying, it is necessary to update the legislation on the rights of children, reports a local Arabic daily.

Despite the broad commitment of Kuwait and government agencies to provide welfare, education and distinguished health services for children, some employ them, but this is done to a limited extent.

Coinciding with the International Day for the Prevention of Child Labor, Al-Qabas daily observed many youngsters working in car repair garages and building and construction works.

When asked for the reason some of the garage owners put the blame on the parents saying they come seeking for job because the parents cannot afford to meet the daily expenses, while others come in the name of learning the job.

They pointed out that working in garages involves a high degree of safety, especially since the age group that works is within a limited framework, which is some kind of customer service or to purchase spare parts, and it is not hard work for them.

In some residential areas and at roundabouts and roadsides of main roads children are seen selling watermelons or food products and supplies especially after the Maghreb prayer until late at night while some take to begging and 13 children of different nationalities, accompanied by their parent, were arrested during March and April this year.

The Ministry of Interior had announced earlier that these violations would be dealt with in a legal manner and that cases had been registered against parents of guardians under the item ‘Negligence in the care of a minor’.

Some child rights guaranteed by law

• The right of the child to grow up in a cohesive family

• Provide protection from all forms of violence, harm or abuse

• Prevention of physical, moral or sexual abuse

• Protection from all forms of discrimination and discrimination

• Right to education, entertainment and access

Human rights activists have called on the concerned authorities to take deterrent measures against anyone who exploits children and violates their innocence.

Deputy Head of the National Human Rights Office, Dr. Siham Al-Fraih said that child labor in Kuwait is not a phenomenon as it is in various countries of the world, indicating that the cases registered in the country are few compared to other countries.

Al-Fraih indicated that the Bureau’s activities continue to monitor and follow up on any phenomenon related to child labor.

She added: Child labor is a global phenomenon that varies in severity from one society to another, stressing that this issue does not constitute a phenomenon in Kuwait, and there are few cases of child labor that may have increased recently, especially in car repair shops as well as some street vendors, but it remains limited.

She stated that the bureau launched a campaign last October under the slogan ‘Towards a Safe and Stable Childhood’.

Lawyer Muhammad Al-Majidi confirmed that the Kuwaiti law on the protection of children’s rights is distinguished and protects children from any abuse or exploitation they may be exposed to from their parents.

Al-Majidi told the daily Child Rights Law No. 21 of 2015 prohibits the employment and training of a child before he reaches 15 Gregorian years, and it is also prohibited to employ a child in any of the types of work that — by its nature or the circumstances in which it is performed — may endanger the health, safety or morals of the child and put him at risk.


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