World Day Against Child Labour: the sad reality in Kisangani
June 12 of each year is celebrated as the World Day Against Child Labour. Unfortunately, in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), this scourge persists in several sectors of activity, particularly in mines, plantations, quarries and even in factories. In the city of Kisangani, in the east of the country, the situation is no different.
Indeed, hundreds of children are exploited in the quarries, mines and plantations of the city of Kisangani. According to Unicef data in 2022, around 30% of Kinshasa children under the age of 18 work to support themselves and their families.
The situation is critical in the mining sites in Shabunda, Masisi, in North Kivu, or in the quarries near Kasala, in Kisangani and in many other towns in the country. In most of these places, children work in very difficult conditions, risking their health and even their lives.
Children usually work in the mines to extract coltan, cobalt or copper. The exploitation of these minerals is carried out in particularly difficult conditions, and children suffer long-term consequences on their physical and mental health. They are exposed to serious illnesses and accidents in the workplace.
Despite government promises and the presence of non-governmental organizations fighting against child labour, the situation persists. The authorities therefore need to strengthen existing measures to put an end to this practice.
It is also essential that parents take responsibility by sending their children to school and not sending them to work in dangerous conditions.
In sum, the situation in eastern DRC is alarming and requires an urgent and concerted response to protect children from exploitation and guarantee their right to education and a better future.