CEO: national policy on childcare is paramount

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Ministry of Commerce Industry and Labor, Chief Executive Officer Pulotu Lyndon Chu Ling says the national policy on childcare and protection; the safety, welfare and best interests of the child is paramount; this is central to our responsibility to ensure the protection of our children in all situations whether at home, in school, or in the workplace. 

Pulotu made the comments during the launching of the Samoa National workshops on Workplan for Child Labour Alliance 8.7 Path Finder Country yesterday. 

He said following on from the Child Labour forum in November 2021 confirming Samoa’s commitment to the Alliance 8.7 initiative. Samoa is now at the critical stage of finalizing the National Action Plan. 

Child Labour is defined as work that is performed by a Child that affects their mental, physical and moral development and prevents their full participation in schooling. 

This means they must address this issue at multiple levels; the family, the community, school attendance and formal and informal employment. 

Furthermore, in order to achieve real progress, plans, policies and legislation must be realistic and implemented by those responsible. 

To strengthen the evidence for accurate planning and targeted interventions the Ministry with the ongoing support of the ILO and UNICEF conducted a follow-up Rapid Assessment Survey of Child Street Vendors. 

He encouraged all our stakeholders who have been working in this space to share their expertise and experiences towards achieving a realistic and impactful National Action Plan.  

The CEO also commended his sincere appreciation to the International Labour Organization and UNICEF for their in support providing to Samoa in its efforts to ensure labour standards continuously improve for the benefit of its people and especially the safety, health and moral development of our children in the world of work.