A young artisanal miner in Luisha, Katanga Province, DRC. Photo: A Mutombo/CARF
On June 12, World Day Against Child Labour, Canadian Jesuits International (CJI) highlights the harsh reality faced by approximately 138 million children engaged in child labour worldwide. These children are denied their fundamental rights to dignity, education, healthcare, well-being, and protection from exploitation.
CJI reaffirms its dedication to advocating for the elimination of child labour. It continues to support Jesuit partners across Africa, Asia, and Latin America who work to provide education for children from impoverished and marginalized communities—particularly those vulnerable to forced labour due to poverty, human trafficking, and war.
One such partner, the Jesuit-run Moran Memorial School in Nepal, serves children of tea estate workers and members of the Rajbanshi tribe, with a particular focus on girls’ education. In Nepal, it has been customary for girls to work at home and in the fields, instead of attending school.
CJI also works alongside the Jesuit Refugee Service, which offers both formal and informal education to refugee children and youth. This initiative aims to shield them from child labour, early marriage, forced militia recruitment, and sexual exploitation.
CJI is also a member of the Canadian Network of Corporate Accountability. The network is advocating for federal legislation that would require Canadian companies to eliminate forced and child labour and implement human rights due diligence throughout their supply chains.
Photo: A young artisanal minger in Luisha, Katanga Province, DRC. Photo: A Mutombo/CARF
