UMFCCI to release manual to curb child labour in Myanmar

 

The Union of Myanmar Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry (UMFCCI) has prepared and planned to publish a manual for employers aimed at eliminating the use of child labour in Myanmar, according to UMFCCI Secretary General Daw Khine Khine Nwe.

The driving factors behind child labour include family issues, social problems, lack of education, gender issues, social stigma, mental impacts, disasters, and others.

“It has been over a year since we began preparing the employer handbook for eradicating child labour. We have not published it yet. We also need to share knowledge with employers; publishing alone is not enough. Those aged between 16 and 18 are allowed to work, and they are eligible for social security allowances. Employees must have labour registration cards and be registered with the Labour Department. Only then will those with labour registration cards receive social security allowances,” Daw Khine Khine Nwe said.

With the permission of the International Labour Organization (ILO), children aged between 14 and 16 can work. However, it is not appropriate to assign them to hazardous jobs, such as those involving chemical substances, heavy lifting, or construction sites. A young person aged between 16 and 18 is considered capable of working as an adult; thus, working eight hours is acceptable. However, a health recommendation is needed to work.

ASH/TMT

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