Child Labor In Bolivia: A Sad Reality

Bolivia has become the first nation to legalize child labor from the age of 10. In 2014, the Bolivian government passed a new child and adolescent code, which lowered the minimum working age to ten years old given certain working conditions. This has sparked controversy, with critics arguing that it may encourage child labor and detract from education, while supporters point to the potential benefits of a legally enforced minimum wage and labor protections for children. According to a 2008 study, an estimated 850,000 children between the ages of 5 and 17 were working in Bolivia, with many more believed to be working today.

Child labour in Bolivia is widespread, with an estimated 850,000 children working

Indigenous children and those in rural areas are more likely to be engaged in labour than children in urban areas. The activities of child labourers vary but the majority are involved in agricultural labour, including planting and harvesting corn, working on cattle ranches, and harvesting chestnuts and sugarcane. Children in rural areas may also work in mining, construction, and brick production, while those in urban areas are more likely to be involved in domestic labour, woodwork, vending, and prostitution.

The Bolivian government has taken some steps to address child labour, including passing a new child and adolescent code in 2014 that lowered the minimum working age to ten years old under certain working conditions. However, this code was revoked by the Bolivian Constitutional Council in 2018 as it violated the conventions of the International Labour Organization (ILO) and children's rights. Bolivia has also ratified relevant international conventions, such as the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child and the ILO's Minimum Age Convention.

Despite these efforts, child labour remains a pervasive issue in Bolivia due to factors such as poverty, lack of access to education, and cultural norms. The consequences of child labour can be dire, exposing children to hazardous situations, exploitation, and negative impacts on their physical and mental development. It also contributes to the cycle of poverty and inequality in the country. Addressing child labour in Bolivia requires a combination of national policies, economic development, and improvements in education and social services.

Children as young as 10 can work, but only with parental supervision and if they attend school

In 2014, Bolivia passed a new law allowing children as young as 10 to work. This has been met with criticism from international human rights groups, as it goes against the United Nations convention, which sets a minimum working age of 14. However, supporters of the legislation argue that children in Bolivia have been working regardless of laws against it, and that the new law guarantees legal protection and fair wages for child workers.

The new law allows children aged 10 to 12 to work independently, as long as they are self-employed. Jobs in this category include shining shoes and selling juice on the street. Children in this age group are not allowed to be contracted by a boss. For children aged 12 to 14, they are allowed to hold contract work, provided that they do not work more than six hours a day and are given time to attend school. This older group of child workers must also have permission from a parent or guardian and work under the supervision of a child protection agency.

Despite the law's good intentions, it has been criticised for potentially keeping children out of school and trapping families in a cycle of poverty. However, it is important to note that the law was passed in response to the unique circumstances and cultural context of Bolivia, where a significant percentage of the population lives below the poverty line. Proponents of the law, including President Evo Morales, argue that child labour is a necessity in many poverty-stricken areas of the country.

While the law has sparked debate, it is clear that the issue of child labour in Bolivia is complex and influenced by a variety of economic, social, and cultural factors.

Children aged 12-14 can work under contract, but it must not interfere with their education

In 2014, Bolivia passed a new law allowing children as young as 10 to work. This legislation has been met with sharp criticism from international human rights groups, as it goes against the United Nations convention, which sets a minimum working age of 14. However, supporters of the law argue that it guarantees legal protection and fair wages for children who were already working despite laws against it.

The new law outlines that children between the ages of 10 and 12 can work independently (e.g., shining shoes, selling juice on the street) as long as they are not contracted by a boss. For children aged 12 to 14, the law permits them to hold contract work, with certain conditions in place. Firstly, they must not work more than six hours a day, and their work must not interfere with their education. Secondly, they must have permission from a parent or guardian and be under the supervision of a child protection agency.

The law has sparked debate, with critics arguing that it will keep children out of school and trap them in a cycle of poverty. On the other hand, supporters, including President Evo Morales, claim that child labour is a necessity in poverty-stricken areas of Bolivia. They argue that without child labour, many families would struggle to survive. Additionally, some believe that exposing children to the workforce early can have benefits, such as building a 'social conscience' and developing important traditional skills.

Despite the arguments in favour of the law, it is essential to consider the potential consequences. Lowering the minimum working age and enforcing legal restraints may push more families to force their children to work. Furthermore, the workload of studying and maintaining a job can be overwhelming for children, increasing the likelihood of dropping out of school. This can lead to a lifetime of low-wage work and instability, perpetuating the cycle of poverty.

Indigenous children are more likely to be in child labour than urban children

Child labour is a widespread phenomenon in Bolivia, with an estimated 20.2% of children between the ages of 7 and 14, or 388,541 children, making up the country's labour force. Notably, indigenous children are more likely to be engaged in labour than their peers in urban areas. This disparity is influenced by various factors, including cultural norms, economic conditions, and access to education.

In Andean culture, work is viewed as a vital agent of socialization for children. It is considered an integral part of their inclusion in the community and a means to learn traditional societal values. Work is also essential to the social organization of indigenous communities, where children contribute to the cohesiveness of family units. This cultural perspective on children's role in society differs significantly from Western concepts of childhood, which emphasise vulnerability and helplessness, leading to efforts to abolish child labour.

Economic factors also play a role in the higher prevalence of child labour among indigenous communities. Bolivia is one of the poorest countries in South America, with 45% of its population living below the poverty line. This economic deprivation drives children from impoverished families to enter the workforce early, sacrificing their education to support their families' survival. The high cost of education further exacerbates this issue, as families struggle to afford schooling.

Access to education is a critical factor influencing the likelihood of children engaging in labour. There is a notable gap between urban and rural areas in Bolivia, with children in urban areas having higher primary education completion and access rates. Indigenous children often face barriers to education due to a lack of teachers, schools, and textbooks in their communities. Additionally, the educational attainment of parents impacts the likelihood of their children working, as parents with lower education levels may have been child labourers themselves and value work over education.

The Bolivian government has taken steps to address child labour, such as implementing the new child and adolescent code in 2014, which lowered the minimum working age to ten years old under specific conditions. However, these efforts have been met with mixed reactions, with some criticising the government for not doing enough to protect children's rights and improve their access to education.

Child labour is often a result of poverty, with children working to support their families' survival

Child labour is a widespread phenomenon in Bolivia, with an estimated 20.2% of children between the ages of 7 and 14, or 388,541 children, making up the country's labour force. The underlying causes of child labour are complex and multifaceted, but poverty remains a significant driving force. Bolivia is one of the poorest countries in South America, with 45% of its population living below the poverty line. In such a context, children from impoverished families often have no choice but to work, sacrificing their education and childhood to support their family's survival and meet their basic needs.

The issue of child labour in Bolivia is deeply rooted in the country's economic and social fabric. Low living standards, limited access to quality education, and intergenerational cycles of poverty create an environment where child labour becomes a necessity for many families. The high cost of education, coupled with the financial strain on families, often leads to the difficult decision to have children join the labour force instead of pursuing their studies. This decision is further influenced by the educational attainment of parents, as those with lower levels of education tend to value work more highly and may have been child labourers themselves.

Cultural factors also play a role in the prevalence of child labour. In Andean culture, work is viewed as an essential aspect of a child's socialisation and integration into the community. It is seen as a means for children to learn traditional values and contribute to the cohesion of family units. This perspective on childhood and work differs significantly from Western concepts, which emphasise the vulnerability and helplessness of children, leading to efforts to eradicate child labour.

The situation is further exacerbated by the lack of protection and inadequate implementation of laws and policies aimed at addressing child labour. Despite Bolivia's ratification of key international conventions, including the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, the country has faced criticism for not fully complying with its obligations. Insufficient resources, corruption, and a complex legal framework have hindered the effective enforcement of laws designed to protect children's rights and prevent their exploitation.

The reality of child labour in Bolivia is a challenging and multifaceted issue. While poverty is a significant driving force, it is essential to recognise the interplay of cultural, social, and economic factors that contribute to this complex problem. Addressing child labour requires a comprehensive approach that considers the unique cultural and societal context of the country, while also prioritising the protection of children's rights and providing alternative pathways to support family survival and well-being.

Frequently asked questions