Many child workers moved to riskier jobs in last 3 months: MJF

Manusher Jonno Foundation yesterday said some 7,800 out of 30,313 child labourers who were involved in risky jobs have switched to "riskier jobs" in eight districts between July and September.

Some 5,600 child labourers migrated in search of job in past three months, and 2,400 have been forced to join new works at nominal wage, MJF said in a statement.

The data was obtained through a survey by 11 MJF partner organisations in a project on risky child labour.

MJF organised a virtual conference on "Covid-19: Present Status and Safety of Working Children", marking National Child Rights Week. Dr Abul Hossain, joint secretary and project director of Multi-Sectoral Programme on Violence against Women was present as chief guest.

MJF Executive Director Shaheen Anam moderated the conference while Rafeza Shaheen, programme coordinator of MJF, presented the field-level survey data.

In his speech, Abul Hossain emphasised on coordination between government and non-government initiatives.

Shaheen Anam urged the government to take necessary steps against all kinds of torture against children including sexual violence.

Prof Shahana Huda, MJF board member and a teacher of law at Dhaka University, urged authorities to review overall child protection system at government childcare centres.