WINDHOEK, June 12 (Xinhua) -- The Southern African Development Community (SADC) on Wednesday joined the world in commemorating World Day Against Child Labour 2019 under the theme "Children shouldn't work in fields but on dreams."
According to a statement released by the SADC, the regional body said it places eradication of child labor at the center of its efforts to enhance living standards and the quality of life of citizens, in children and young people.
"Member states have domesticated this agenda through decent work country programs as well as responsive legal and policy measures covering all children, informed by global labor standards," said the SADC.
It added that despite the strides made so far, child labor continues to be of serious concern due to the persistence of poverty, inequality and other developmental challenges faced by the region.
"High decent work deficits in the region, characterized by high informal employment and a large proportion of the working poor of around 50 percent, means that many children are susceptible to child labor as a way of supplementing household incomes," the regional body said.
The SADC also affirmed its commitment to ensure that quality education and skills development become the means for children to realize their dreams and entitlements for a better and productive adulthood.
