Towards the development of time-bound programmes for the elimination of worst forms of child labour

Debie LeBeau and Eunice Iipinge, 2003


The scoping study on child labour in Namibia was undertaken in 2003 and was designed to facilitate consultation to develop a national programme to eliminate worst forms of child labour.

The study assessed the extent and nature of child labour as well as legislation and programmes that had the potential to impact on various forms of child labour. It situated the child labour issue within the broad social and economic challenges facing the country.

In an attempt to establish the extent of various forms of child labour, the authors considered child work in the country more broadly. The Namibia Child Activities Survey (NCAS) of 1999 was a significant starting point in establishing some patterns of child work. This was supplemented by other more specific data and anecdotal information from extensive consultation with knowledgeable stakeholders.

The report painted a picture of fairly widespread work by children, with nature of this work being such that schooling was not seriously interrupted.

• 16% of children aged between six and 18 years undertook work for pay, profit or family gain (NCAS).
• 23% of children undertook the household chores of collecting water and firewood.
• Farm work, particularly in subsistence agriculture, was undertaken by more than 80% of working children.

Worst forms of child labour had not been formally studied prior to the scoping initiative, but informants suggested that commercial sexual exploitation, the use of children to commit crime and child work in hazardous conditions were occurring.

The section on policy and legislation reviewed Namibia’s international obligations in terms of its ratification of various conventions and protocols related to child labour, summarised relevant legislation and looked at national policies and programmes in relation to matters such as access to education, management of the social aspects of HIV and AIDS, poverty alleviation and social security, child justice and social services focusing on children.

The document concluded with a section that attempts to define harmful child work and one that raised discussion points on child labour.


Full text

Scoping study on child labour in Namibia
Summary of national scoping study on child labour in Namibia