Continuing its efforts to enhance the rights of the nation’s children and the rights of workers, the Ministry of Social Protection yesterday launched its Child Labour and Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) policies at the Marriott Hotel.
The policies, which were in the making for quite some time, became possible through the collaboration of the Ministry of Social Protection, UNICEF, the Federation of Independent Trade Unions of Guyana (FITUG), Guyana Trade Union Congress (GTUC), and Consultative Association of Guyanese Industry (CAGI).
According to the International Labour Organisation (ILO), 152 million children across the globe are exposed to child labour, with 65 million being girls and eight million being boys. The Ministry of Social Protection is concerned about this alarming figure and will continue its effort to eliminate all forms of child labour in Guyana.
In this regard, Minister of Social Protection, Amna Ally, disclosed that the ministry will pool its resources with several organisations to educate the nation in every administrative region about child labour and the safety required in the workplace.
“The fight against child labour requires a multi-sectoral approach. No single agency can deal with this problem considering the many dimensions it takes and different skills required… Also, for the first time in more than two decades, Guyana will have an updated OSH policy. It is therefore with pride and pleasure that I inform you that the aim of the policy is to promote and improve the quality of life for workers by preventing social and economic losses, work-related accidents,” Minister Amna Ally said. She added that the policy will be guided by the need to identify and assess occupational risks and hazards that need to be controlled.
“The development of national preventative safety and health culture that includes information, consultation, research and training will be enforced at all levels,” the Social Protection Minister stressed.
