Rural children work harder than urban ones
The number of female children from 11 years old upwards involved in economic activities is higher than that of male children. However, the rate is contrary to children aged between 6 and 10.
Meanwhile, children in rural areas participate in economic activities at an earlier age and work more than those in urban areas. The number of rural children engaging in economic activities in 1993 was at 45.2 percent while that of urban children just at 21.3 percent. Similarly, the figures in 1998 stood at 21.3 percent for rural children and 8.8 percent for urban ones. Children living in poor areas, especially in northern mountainous areas, the Central Highlands and the Mekong River Delta have to work much more than those living in other areas. The rates recorded in the above-mentioned areas are 25.9 percent, 19.8 percent and 19.7 percent respectively.
Although there is a large number of children coming from rich families taking part in economic activities, the recent statistics showed where there are high expenditures and incomes there are less children participating in economic activities.
The Ministry of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs said there are no child labourers in State-owned and foreign-invested enterprises and joint-ventures. They are only seen in the private economic sectors and in areas where laws are not fully enforced.
Child labourers often have to work many hours a day as housemaid, bread seller and building worker. These jobs have negative impacts not only on physical development but also on the personality development of children, as they cannot enjoy proper care and education from their family and school.
Poverty reduction helps minimise the number of child labourers
There is a positive sign that the number of child labourers is decreasing on the global market. According to the ILO, the number of child labourers reduced by 11 percent in the past four years, while the number of child labourers doing heavy work dropped by 26 percent. The rate of child labourers aged between 5 and 15 working in hazardous environmental conditions decreased by over 33 percent.
In Vietnam, the rate of child labourers participating in economic activities has reduced in recent times, from 41.1 percent in 1993 to 29.3 percent and 18 percent in 1998 and 2003, respectively.
Deputy head of the Labour and Employment Department under the Ministry of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs Le Quang Trung said that it is essential to implement comprehensive measures, both immediate and long-term measures, in order to resolve issues relating to child labour. Key measures include socio-economic development and poverty reduction in localities through the implementation of programmes and socio-economic development projects at each level and in each locality. It is also necessary to grant direct assistance to poor households through loans, technical assistance, vocational training and job creation.
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