Nepal still struggles with a pervasive child labour problem, although the absolute number of youngsters working before adulthood is diminishing.
The statistics reveal that child labour is still significant, although the overall trend is declining: 2.6 million in 1998, 1.6 million in 2008 and 1.1 million in 2018. According to a study by the International Labour Organization (published in 2021), over a million Nepali kids under seventeen were engaged in work instead of school. The report provided data on general child labour and its worst forms. Children had to do household chores and were often involved in agricultural work in the family or work for neighbours. Around 20 per cent worked in hazardous occupations, exposing them to dangerous and unhealthy conditions.
A cycle of poverty
To address this issue, the Ministry of Labour, Employment, and Social Security adopted a second National Master Plan in 2017. The plan identified seventeen sectors with a high prevalence of child labour.
In agriculture, children often engage in laborious tasks such as planting and harvesting crops. They work long hours in harsh weather conditions and handle dangerous tools and chemicals. This exposure not only harms their physical health but also impedes their educational opportunities, trapping them in a cycle of poverty.
Domestic work presents a different but equally troubling scenario. Many children, especially girls, work in homes as domestic helpers. They face long hours, physical and verbal abuse, and have little opportunity for education or leisure. The informal nature of domestic work makes it challenging to regulate, leaving these children vulnerable to exploitation.
As highlighted by recent surveys from ILO and the Central Bureau of Statistics (CBS), the brickmaking industry employs nearly 17,000 child labourers. These children, often seasonal migrants from rural Nepal and India, work under extremely harsh conditions. They are exposed to dust and harmful chemicals and are usually forced to work long hours for meagre wages, far removed from formal oversight or protection.
In the entertainment industry, children are frequently employed in circuses or as performers in various shows. Their work involves long hours and physically demanding tasks, often under conditions of severe exploitation. The lack of regulation in this sector means that these children are deprived of education and proper care.
The transportation and construction sectors also see significant child labour. Children work as porters, carrying heavy loads, or in construction sites, where they handle dangerous materials and operate heavy machinery. The risks in these sectors are high, with children facing potential injuries and long-term health issues.
The primary driver of child labour in Nepal is poverty.
Causes
The primary driver of child labour in Nepal is poverty. For many families, the income earned by children is vital for survival. Extreme economic pressure forces families to send their children to work instead of school, and the lack of alternative income sources and social safety nets exacerbates this reliance on child labour.
Social and economic inequalities further perpetuate child labour. Marginalised communities, particularly those from Dalit or Untouchable castes, face systemic barriers to education and economic advancement. Discrimination and exclusion mean these communities often have limited resources and opportunities, trapping them in a cycle of poverty and child labour.
The inadequacy of the education system also contributes to the problem. Schools are either too far away, poorly equipped, or non-existent in many rural areas. The high cost of education and associated expenses often make it inaccessible for low-income families. When education is not a viable option, children are more likely to enter the workforce, reinforcing the cycle of poverty
Natural disasters, health crises, environmental calamities, and economic downturns exacerbate the problem. These shocks disrupt livelihoods and further impoverish already vulnerable families, forcing children into the labour market as families struggle to recover from these crises
Consequences
The consequences of child labour are profound and multifaceted. Physically, children engaged in labour face severe health risks. They are prone to injuries, chronic illnesses, and developmental issues due to harsh working conditions. Long-term exposure to hazardous environments can lead to chronic health problems that affect their growth and development.
Psychologically, the strain of working in harsh conditions can lead to significant mental health issues. Children may experience anxiety, depression, and trauma because of their working conditions and the stress of balancing work and limited education.
educationally, child labour severely impacts children’s learning and academic performance. Working children often miss school or are too exhausted to focus on their studies. This disruption leads to poor educational achievement and high dropout rates, limiting their future opportunities. The lack of education perpetuates the cycle of poverty, as these children miss out on the skills and qualifications needed for better-paying jobs in adulthood.
Economically, child labour represents a form of exploitation. Children work for minimal wages in dangerous conditions, and their labour often contributes little to their families’ long-term economic stability. This exploitation undermines their future financial prospects and reinforces their status as cheap, disposable labour.
Socially, child labour exacerbates existing inequalities and discrimination. The exploitation of children reinforces social hierarchies and prevents them from overcoming the socio-economic barriers imposed by their background.
When education is not a viable option, children are more likely to enter the
workforce, reinforcing the cycle of poverty.
Credits: Nikita Tripathi for Human Rights Watch
Legal steps and enforcement
Nepal has established a legal framework to combat child labour. The 2015 Constitution enshrines children’s rights, including freedom from exploitation. Article 29 guarantees protection from forced labour, trafficking, and slavery, while Article 39.4 explicitly prohibits children from engaging in hazardous work. The Child Labour Prohibition and Regulation Act (2000) and the Act Relating to Children (2018) are critical legislative measures to protect children from exploitation.
The law sets the minimum working age at 14 and regulates work for children aged 15 to 17. It prohibits children from engaging in hazardous occupations and penalises those who violate these regulations. The Ministry of Labour, Employment, and Social Security enforces these laws.
Despite these legal measures, enforcement remains a significant challenge. Issues such as corruption, inadequate resources, and lack of awareness about legal rights contribute to gaps in implementation. Many sectors where child labour is prevalent are informal and difficult to regulate, complicating enforcement efforts.
In the last year, action was taken against a total of 35 industrial institutions and employers for using illegal child labour. The Labour and Employment Office in Hetauda monitored 95 industries and found violations, leading to fines imposed on the offending sectors and employers. Office chief Chhanda Narayan Shrestha reported that 35 children were rescued from these industries, most of which were large enterprises violating children’s rights.
Issues related to appointment letters, remuneration, and worker safety were also identified. The industries were instructed to reform their management practices to adhere to labour rights and cease using child labour. Government authorities also monitored hotels, industries, and workshops. Over the past year, 79 complaints regarding remuneration were received, 60 of which were settled through dialogue, and 19 are still in process. Additionally, the Office conducted awareness programs against child labour in Makwanpur, Chitwan, and Sindhuli districts.
A multifaceted approach
Although Nepal has made progress in reducing child labour, significant challenges remain. Although the number of child labourers has decreased, many children are still engaged in various forms of work that may seriously impact their health and future prospects.
Addressing child labour requires a multifaceted approach. Reducing poverty is crucial; providing economic support to vulnerable families and creating alternative income sources can alleviate the financial pressures that drive children into the workforce. Improving access to quality education is also essential. Ensuring that education is affordable and accessible can help break the cycle of poverty and reduce child labour.
Enhancing legal enforcement and increasing awareness about children’s rights and the illegality of child labour are critical. Strengthening the capacity of enforcement agencies, conducting regular inspections, and educating communities about the laws can improve the effectiveness of anti-child labour measures.
Expanding social protection programs and integrating them with child labour prevention strategies can provide a safety net for families. Programs such as child benefits, health care, and housing assistance can reduce the economic reliance on child labour and support needy families.
While Nepal has made strides in addressing child labour, the progress has been lacklustre. To tackle the root causes and mitigate the impact of child labour, a comprehensive strategy involving the government, civil society, and international organisations is needed. Nepal must move towards a future where children are protected from exploitation and can achieve their full potential.
Sudipa Mahato is a junior editor for Nepal Connect.