The Department of Labor and Employment has expressed alarm over the rising exploitation of children being recruited to join armed groups in Mindanao as it urged parents and communities to be responsible in providing moral and proper guidance to their children.
Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III said he was disturbed by reports that children are forced into armed conflict in Marawi either as combatants or spies.
The labor chief also called on other agencies of government and civic organizations to jointly intensify efforts in combating child labor in conflict areas following reports that children were embroiled in forced labor and exploitation.
“Conflicts cause the destruction of livelihood, which results in mass displacement. Most of the children engage in hard labor to help their families survive. This issue is a real challenge that requires collective action and close cooperation with our different partner agencies and organizations,” he said.
“The recruitment of children for use in armed conflict is one of the worst forms of child labor based on the International Labor Organization [ILO] Convention No. 182,” Bello said.
“Child labor is a violation of children’s human rights. It is a major hindrance to achieving sustainable and decent work. Eradicating it is possible with the close cooperation among government agencies, civil society organizations, LGUs, media, parents and also the children themselves,” Bello said.
The urgent call to prevent child labor in areas affected by conflicts also came in the light of the global celebration of World Day against Child Labor this week.
“In Conflicts and Disasters, Protect Children from Child Labor” is the theme of this year’s observance. From 2012, the United States Department of Labor [USDOL] has recognized the significant advancement of the Philippines in combating the worst forms of child labor. However, there are still 2.1 million child laborers in the Philippines according to the 2011 Survey on Children done by the Philippine Statistics Authority and the elimination of it calls for a convergence approach of services provided by various government and non-government organizations.
Meanwhile, the Commission on Human Rights condemned the atrocities perpetrated by the Maute terrorist group in Marawi City.
“The commission salutes our fallen soldiers who dedicated their lives to ensure the safety of our sisters and brothers in Northern Mindanao as well as in the rest of our country. We stand with the Maranaos and others who have been victimized in this conflict in their pleas for peace as our government forces engage and neutralize the Maute group,” Public Affairs and Strategic Communication Office director Jacqueline Ann de Guia said.
The CHR also denounced the violence perpetrated by the Maute fighters and bandits, and the use of children and women as human shields.
“This does not only go against the moral fiber of our humanity, but violates the protection of those who are not part of the conflict granted under international humanitarian law,” she said, adding that the terror attacks in Marawi City tremendously impacted the lives of the residents.
“Previous experiences in conflict-stricken areas show that displaced women and children have been the most vulnerable and prone to being hit the hardest as women become target of gender-based violence, while children constantly experience physical and psychological trauma,” she added.
Echoing the stance of Chairperson Chito Gascon, the commission called on the Department of Education and the Commission on Higher Education to ensure the uninterrupted education of the affected children and young adult and the Department of Social Welfare and Development and Department of Health to address the psychosocial needs of the internally displaced persons and assure their access to hospitals and other government facilities in addressing their mental health needs.
On the other hand, the DSWD, Technical Education and Skills Development Authority, and the Department of Labor and Employment must provide the displaced families with sustainable livelihoods, especially for women.
“The commission is with the nation in praying for an end to this conflict and urges the bureaucracy — both at the national and local levels — to move together towards durable solutions to the community and country’s recovery,” De Guia said.