The Ministry of Employment, Productivity and Industrial Relations recently presented to Papua New Guinea’s (PNG) Department of Labour and Industrial Relations delegation on Fiji’s successful strategies on eliminating the worst forms of child labour.
The PNG delegates were part of the Pacific Sub-Regional Child Labour and Trafficking Program that was held in Nadi. The delegation included Mr Kornet Sapulai, Executive Manager Industrial Relations and International Cooperation (IRIC); Mr Emmanuel Tatau, Manager International Affairs; Mr Moses Maki, Executive Manager Labour Admin; Mr Richard Samuel, ILO representative for PNG and the ILO representative for Suva, Mr Alifereti Bulivou.
As the eradication of child labour is a major challenge faced by PNG’s 22 provinces, this presentation will set a platform for PNG to work from, to eradicate child labour issues. The presentation included Fiji’s ratification and incorporation into the Employment Relations Promulgation (ERP) 2007, the 8 International Labour Organisation (ILO) Core Conventions. This includes Convention 182 on the Elimination of the Worst Forms of Child Labour.
The successful roll-out of the Employment Relations Promulgation (ERP) 2007, has led to the vigorous enforcement on the protection of children employed in unacceptable forms of work.
The presentation highlighted the awareness programs on the Elimination of the Worst Forms of Child Labour being provided to villages, communities, schools and the general public is a proactive measure and key strategy.
In addition, the continuous communication and partnership between stakeholders of Fiji’s Inter-Government Agencies is also a key component to the successful tackling of child labour issues in Fiji. The Inter-Government Agencies include the Ministry of Women, Children and Poverty Alleviation, Ministry of Education, Fiji Police Force and the tripartite partners.
The PNG delegation was overwhelmed and impressed with the strategies used by Fiji and confirmed that they will look to Fiji for assistance on the elimination of child labour.