Is it okay for children to work in tobacco fields?
Answer:
No, in tobacco growing children have to work under exploitative conditions. Child labour in tobacco growing is considered as one of the worst forms of child labour, according to the ILO Convention 182.
Children have various reasons for working and not all work performed by children is considered child labour. Work of children can be useful for them to be able to attend school, fulfill individual wishes and acquire certain skills.
However, child labour is work that is mentally, physically, socially or morally harmful to children, that interferes with their education or that is performed under exploitative conditions. This is the case with tobacco growing.
While working on tobacco fields, children are exposed to dangerous chemicals and nicotine. They can also get injured due to the use of sharp tools. Beside the health risks, the children often have a hard time attending school or studying properly, especially during harvest time.
Tobacco companies pay low prices for the leaf tobacco. Families who grow tobacco often have problems earning a living from tobacc growing. Therefore, they can’t pay adult workers and thus have to rely on every family member, even their children.
To enable families to escape the circle of poverty and exploitation, farmers need a living income. This includes legally enforceable written contracts, as well as appropriate, adequate payment.
In the long term, the main solution is to switch from tobacco cultivation to alternative sources of income.
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