SOCIO-RELIGIOUS IMPLICATIONS OF CHILD - LABOUR

Abstract

About 250 million children in the world work in harzadous and exploitative labour conditions. Child-labour is a controversial and an emotive phenomenon that defies simple solutions. The idea that children have special needs, which sparkled the founding of UNICEF fifty four years ago, has now given way to the conviction that children have same spectrum of right as adults. This study is an attempt to highlight the complexity of child-labour, its persistence and adverse effects in the society. To facilitate this broad perspective, the study aimed at identifying the Aembu's traditional religious values, customs and practices that should be revitalized for prevention or reduction of child-labour. In a nutshell, we are examining a situation which is fluid and dynamic, yet recommending some of the traditional and customs that are based on the values developed and generated for generations. Chapter one shows the course towards this study by making a general analysis of the problem, and specifying the methods used to collect the data. This chapter further highlights how the course towards the ending of child-labour can be hastened or helped using the sentiments of various organisations and parties that are interested in the issue of child-labour.