COMBATING THE IMPACT OF COVID-19 ON CHILD LABOUR THROUGH EFFECTIVE ENFORCEMENT OF LAWS IN NIGERIA AND ETHIOPIA

Abstract

Child labour is a serious global problem, and Africa appears to be the worst hit. Nigeria and Ethiopia are developing countries in Africa, contending with child labour. There are national, regional and international legal measures aimed at curtailing the spate of child labour in these jurisdictions. Despite these legal measures, child labour remains endemic as children face exploitative labour due to factors such as poverty and poor enforcement of existing laws. The need for enforcement of child labour laws becomes more pressing as the world presently
contends with the novel pandemic, coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Although research indicates that children have less severe symptoms and lower mortality rates than other age groups, measures such as the closure of businesses and schools directly affect children. Closure of schools and lack of access to e-learning tools by poor families also make children susceptible to child labour. Relying on doctrinal research and secondary empirical research, this paper advocates the need for the government in Nigeria and Ethiopia to explore practical legal measures to enforce child labour laws. It is averred that the countries under reference can share experiences that would drive the desired enforcement of existing laws. It is important to set up effective mechanisms that would prioritise the best interests of the child.