Child Labour Programme of Action, phase 1 (2003-2007): CLPA-1

CLICK HERE for the revised CLPA for the second phase of implementation (CLPA-2), 2008-2012

The South African Government, in conjunction with its major civil society partners, has developed a comprehensive Child Labour Programme of Action (CLPA) which sets out a wide range of specific action steps and assigns responsibilities for their implementation.

The first phase of the CLPA (sometimes referred to as the CLPA-1) was developed through a widely consultative process and adopted as a working guide in 2003. It serves as a constant point of reference for all structures that are tasked with actions to reduce and eradicate child labour.

The CLPA views poverty as the root cause of child labour and many of its actions are directed at poverty alleviation. At the same time the programme acknowledges a powerful element of exploitation and this, too, is taken into account in various law enforcement interventions.

The wide-ranging nature of the CLPA means that it relies on the commitment of decision makers and service providers across many sectors. Most of the 100-plus action steps specified in the CLPA are within the scope of responsibility of government departments. In many cases the action steps lie within existing policies of these departments and the challenge lies in more effective implementation. However, there are instances where the CLPA calls for a review of policy and the drafting of new legislation.

Key documents

• Summary of the CLPA-1: Putting an end to work that harms children
• FULL TEXT of the Child Labour Programme of Action Phase 1 (As adopted in 2003).