** Cobalt and childhood: towards a lasting future at the heart of the Congolese mineral industry **
The economic and technological boom in our modern society is inextricably linked to mineral resources, in particular cobalt. At the dawn of an energy revolution, this resource, essential for the manufacture of batteries for electric vehicles and electronic devices, is mainly extracted in the provinces of Haut-Katanga and Lualaba in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). However, behind this promise of innovation hide disturbing realities, including child labor in mines. In this context, the project to support alternative well-being of children and young people involved in the cobalt supply chain (Pabea-Cobalt) plays a crucial role not only in the life of children, but also in the future even from this industry.
Over the past six years, the Pabea-Cobalt has managed to maintain at least 13,587 children in the school circuit. This figure, although delightful, also challenges the condition of a significant number of children who do not benefit from the same opportunities. With 5,477 children in Haut-Katanga and 8,110 in Lualaba, this impact is part of a broader approach to protect the rights of the child. Beyond education, the program offers health and psychosocial management, an aspect neglected in analyzes often focused on access to education alone.
From a statistical point of view, these 13,587 children represent a minimal fraction compared to the estimates of children working in cobalt mines. A report by the 2019 International Labor Organization (ILO) said that more than 1.5 million children were engaged in dangerous forms of work in the DRC. Thus, although the Pabea-Cobalt is a step in the right direction, it must not hide the worrying reality of child labor in this sector. The solution does not only reside in the disengagement of mining children, but also in the creation of an environment conducive to the development of lasting alternatives.
The Pabea-Cobalt is not limited to education. Indeed, the construction of 52 buildings, representing promotion and entrepreneurship centers of young people in agro-business, shows a desire for economic diversification. This type of initiative is essential to break the cycle of poverty and exploitation. By forming young people and parents in trades related to agriculture, this proactive approach encourages social retraining and economic autonomy, thus reducing dependence on mining.
Nevertheless, this achievement must be accompanied by a robust advocacy on an international scale. The Pabea-Cobalt steering committee has expressed its desire to challenge international bodies, including the Human Rights Council and the United Nations General Assembly, to arouse a global awareness around the Cobalt issue Congolese. How, at a time when human rights are more at the heart of global concerns, such an essential resource can be exploited when it is so seriously impacting the youth of a country?
It is also crucial to assess the environmental impact of cobalt extraction. While mineral companies must meet growing demand for mineral resources, they must do so in a responsible manner. In parallel, advocacy for more sustainable and environmentally friendly extraction practices must be reinforced. Children supported by the Pabea-Cobalt are not only elected officials, but they also represent the future of a country rich in resources.
The benefits of the Pabea-Cobalt are notable, but the path remains strewn with pitfalls. The challenge of zero children in mines is ambitious and requires a collective commitment, both national and international. In this digital era, it is imperative that governments, companies and NGOs collaborate to implement cobalt traceability systems, in order to ensure its ethical provenance.
In conclusion, the Pabea-Cobalt presents itself as a glimmer of hope within an industry often criticized for its human rights violations. However, the results obtained, although impressive, must serve as a springboard to develop more inclusive strategies aimed at protecting childhood in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The real challenge will be to transform this vision into reality, marking the way to a future where cobalt rhymes not only with technological development, but also with sustainability and respect for the rights of the child. In this quest, Fatshimetrie.org undertakes to closely follow the evolution of these projects, while supporting a broader discussion on the social responsibility of companies engaged in the exploitation of natural resources.