The Committee for the Rights of the Child, or CRC, branch of the United Nations convened today to confront the prevalent issue of child labour, specifically in the cocoa industry.
The major producers of cocoa in the world are centralized in West Africa, supplying 69% of the world’s cocoa. Côte d'Ivoire in particular, one of principal delegations participating in this resolution, produces 35% of all cocoa by itself.
As living standards improve worldwide, the distinction between first-world and third-world countries is becoming increasingly apparent. Increased publicity of the plight of the younger generation brings this topic to the CRC.
Despite the diverse multitude of ambassadors representing nations across the globe, they have all come to a general consensus on what they feel is the key to resolving the crux of child labour: education.
The argument for enrolling third-world youth in school focuses on the growth of each nation’s literacy rate as well as expanding job horizons. In addition, the delegation of Guinea clarifies the education process saying, “Schooling can provide academic or hands-on experience for future careers.”
In further support, Libya, the fifth wealthiest country in Africa states that, “[Our] system of mandatory primary school attendance has successfully raised the literacy rate from 50% to 80% in the past 3 decades.”
Despite the CRC’s willingness to provide education to the uneducated masses, there are many points of contention over certain factors that may affect the ability or willingness of the child to access a learning centre. In many cases, money or resources is not enough to resolve the issues at hand. Education may serve as a long term solution to poverty, yet hunger is an immediate concern that many families cannot afford to ignore. They require the money to maintain the bare minimum amount needed to sustain themselves.
India broaches the subject of child slavery, pointing out that any exploited or manipulated minor may be forced to work under threat of violence or starvation.
Atrocious acts such as forced labour continually go unnoticed by corrupt government, and the perpetual state of poverty may not change regardless of any multilateral aid. Misappropriation of donated funds is a major concern for wealthier countries that are willing to assist, such as China, the United States, and Germany.
Every country participating in the Committee of the Rights of the Child contributes their unique perspective on child labour in order to resolve this tragedy. By finding a general solution to the issue at hand, those suffering at the hands of the cocoa industry can find respite from their struggles
The major producers of cocoa in the world are centralized in West Africa, supplying 69% of the world’s cocoa. Côte d'Ivoire in particular, one of principal delegations participating in this resolution, produces 35% of all cocoa by itself.
As living standards improve worldwide, the distinction between first-world and third-world countries is becoming increasingly apparent. Increased publicity of the plight of the younger generation brings this topic to the CRC.
Despite the diverse multitude of ambassadors representing nations across the globe, they have all come to a general consensus on what they feel is the key to resolving the crux of child labour: education.
The argument for enrolling third-world youth in school focuses on the growth of each nation’s literacy rate as well as expanding job horizons. In addition, the delegation of Guinea clarifies the education process saying, “Schooling can provide academic or hands-on experience for future careers.”
In further support, Libya, the fifth wealthiest country in Africa states that, “[Our] system of mandatory primary school attendance has successfully raised the literacy rate from 50% to 80% in the past 3 decades.”
Despite the CRC’s willingness to provide education to the uneducated masses, there are many points of contention over certain factors that may affect the ability or willingness of the child to access a learning centre. In many cases, money or resources is not enough to resolve the issues at hand. Education may serve as a long term solution to poverty, yet hunger is an immediate concern that many families cannot afford to ignore. They require the money to maintain the bare minimum amount needed to sustain themselves.
India broaches the subject of child slavery, pointing out that any exploited or manipulated minor may be forced to work under threat of violence or starvation.
Atrocious acts such as forced labour continually go unnoticed by corrupt government, and the perpetual state of poverty may not change regardless of any multilateral aid. Misappropriation of donated funds is a major concern for wealthier countries that are willing to assist, such as China, the United States, and Germany.
Every country participating in the Committee of the Rights of the Child contributes their unique perspective on child labour in order to resolve this tragedy. By finding a general solution to the issue at hand, those suffering at the hands of the cocoa industry can find respite from their struggles