Government cracks down on parents exploiting children for street labour

Parents involved in exploiting their children through child labour should be aware of the consequences. 

Government is taking a zero tolerance against child labour. Those caught will be reprimanded by law, warns the Minister for Women, Children and Social Protection, Sashi Kiran. 

She issued a stern warning yesterday to parents, who send their children to sell foods and goods on the streets, calling the practice “illegal and detrimental to children’s welfare.

This stern warning follows a photo posted on social media that went viral, showing a child selling food and pastries late on school nights at a service station outside Suva.

Witnesses say this has been the norm for many weeks, with the same child and his siblings seen loitering around streets, shops, and service stations as late as 10 p.m.

The image prompted social media users to question the role of parents in ensuring the welfare of their children. 

Zero tolerance stance

Ms Kiran confirms Government’s zero-tolerance stance, stating that child street vending violates both national laws and children’s rights.

“This has been an ongoing concern. I’ve seen children as young as 10 or 12 years old out on the streets selling goods,” Ms Kiran said.

“It’s illegal under the labour laws. Children belong in schools and safe environments not on the streets.”

She said many parents were deliberately staying out of sight while sending their children to sell foods and goods to generate income. In some cases, parents remain at home while their children roam the streets to sell items for the family’s livelihood.

“Why are the children out there when the parents are standing nearby or sitting at home? We’ve spoken to non-governmental organisations (NGOs) which confirm this pattern. It’s unacceptable.

“Every child has the right to a dignified life. We must protect their innocence and ensure they enjoy the full rights guaranteed under the Convention on the Rights of the Child.”

Government intervention 

Ms Kiran said her ministry, social welfare officers and police, had been removing children from the streets. 

“In the past few weeks, we’ve found children on the streets who are not homeless, they have families. Some are from as far as Nausori or even Taveuni, left behind when mothers come to town for the market. Some (parents) claim they didn’t know their children were in town,” Ms Kiran said.

“If children are found again on the streets after being returned home, their parents will be charged with neglect. We are cracking down on this, even if we haven’t publicised every case.”

Under the Employment Relations Act 2007, child labour is prohibited in Fiji. The law sets the minimum age for employment at 15 and restricts hazardous work for anyone under 18.

Children aged 13 to 15 may engage in “light work,” provided it does not harm them or interfere with their education. 

Employers found guilty of child labour offences can face fines of up to $10,000 or imprisonment.