Rights commission calls for enhanced protection against child labour as global event marked

The Human Rights Commission (HRC) is calling for enhanced protection of children against all forms of child labour and for greater promotion of decent employment and labour rights for adults in Zambia.

The Commission joined the international community in commemorating the World Day Against Child Labour under the 2026 theme, “Red Card to Child Labour: Fair Play for Children, Decent Work for Adults.”

In a statement to commemorate the day celebrated annually on June 12, HRC Chairperson Dr. Pamela Sambo, said his year’s theme rightly recognized that ensuring decent work for adults was closely linked to the enjoyment of children’s rights.

Sambo noted that when adults had access to fair, secure and adequately remunerated employment, children were more likely to remain in school and enjoy their rights to education, health and development.

She urged both public and private sector employers to uphold employment and labour rights by paying fair and reliable wages and providing decent working conditions that enabled workers to adequately support their families, thereby reducing the drivers of child labour, said

Sambo stated that the Commission continued to record cases involving child labour, while evidence of child labour remained prevalent across the country.

“Many children can be seen roaming the streets selling various goods at times when they should be in school learning, thereby undermining their right to education,” she said.

Sambo said with particular reference to communities where illegal mining activities were taking place, the Commission was particularly concerned that some children were abandoning school to engage in dangerous and hazardous mining activities.

She said such practices exposed children to serious risks of injury, illness, permanent disability and even death.

Sambo stated that in the case of decent work for adults, the Commission continued to record cases involving systemic underpayment of workers, particularly affecting domestic workers, security guards and general workers.

“Despite the existence of legislation prescribing minimum wages for domestic and general workers, many employers continue to pay wages far below the legally established thresholds,” she noted.

Sambo also called on parents, guardians and the general public to reject all forms of child labour and recognise that child labour deprived children of their childhood, education, dignity and future opportunities.

“Ending child labour requires collective action from all sectors of society,” she said.

Sambo encouraged members of the public to report any form of child labour or child abuse to the Zambia Police Service, the Department of Social Welfare under the Ministry of Community Development and Social Services, or to the Labour Commissioner.

WARNING! All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express permission from ZAMBIA MONITOR.