Peer-reviewed article
CHILD LABOUR IN AGRICULTURE IN THE REPUBLIC OF MOLDOVA: FEATURES AND ONGOING CHALLENGES
Tatiana Colesnicova, Mihail Ciobanu ·
Summary
Written by AI, not yet AICS's view · claude-haiku-4-5-20251001This study examines child labour in agriculture in Moldova, finding that children aged 12.7 to 15.3 years on average work over 20 hours per week in various agricultural tasks, including hazardous ones. The research shows that this work negatively affects children's education and health. The study calls for comprehensive strategies including improved policies, stronger law enforcement, and initiatives to increase educational opportunities and family incomes to reduce exploitative child labour.
Key points
- Children in Moldova average 12.7 to 15.3 years of age and work over 20 hours weekly in agriculture
- Agricultural work includes hazardous tasks that harm children's education and health
- The study identifies a lack of updated data and research on child labour in Moldova's agricultural sector
- The research distinguishes between harmful child labour and beneficial work
- Coordinated action is needed from government, international bodies, NGOs, and communities to protect children
Limitations
The document does not provide specific data on the prevalence or percentage of children engaged in child labour, nor does it detail the particular hazards or health outcomes measured. It does not evaluate the effectiveness of any specific intervention implemented to reduce child labour.
Abstract
In the Republic of Moldova, the issue of the child labour in agriculture presents a significant challenge. This study has the aim to evaluate the participation of the Moldovan children in agricultural work and its effects on their well-being, safety, and education. Highlighting a lack of updated data and research within Moldova, especially in the agricultural sector, this study employs a detailed methodology encompassing national statistics, expert surveys, and international convention reviews. The findings indicate the involvement of children in various agricultural tasks, including hazardous ones, affecting their education and health, with children aged on average 12.7 to 15.3 years working over 20 hours weekly. The research distinguishes between harmful child labour and beneficial work, advocating for a comprehensive strategy to improve educational opportunities, family incomes, and alternative employment options. It stresses the importance of effective policies and legislation to safeguard children from exploitative labour in both formal and informal sectors. Although there has been some advancement in tackling child labour in Moldova, considerable obstacles persist. The research advocates for a comprehensive strategy that includes refining policies, strengthening the enforcement of current laws, and executing specific initiatives aimed at decreasing child labour in the agricultural sector. The research calls for joint efforts from the government, international bodies, NGOs, and communities to protect and promote child welfare, aiming to integrate children into safe environments and offering them better future prospects.