Nearly two-thirds of South Sudanese children in child labour: Report

"Nearly two-thirds of South Sudanese children are engaged in the worst forms of child labour, with rates reaching as high as 90 percent in the hardest-hit regions, according to a government study released with the charity Save the Children. The National Child Labour Study, published on Thursday, surveyed more than 418 households across seven states and found that 64 percent of children aged between five and 17 are trapped in forced labour, sexual exploitation, theft and conflict."

"In Kapoeta South, near the border with Uganda, nine out of 10 children work in gold mining, pastoralism and farming instead of attending school, the report said. Yambio region, the country's southwest, recorded similarly dire rates, with local conflict and child marriage driving children into labour. Children typically start with simple jobs before being drawn into increasingly dangerous and exploitative work, the report found. About 10 percent of those surveyed reported involvement with armed groups, particularly in Akobo, Bentiu and Kapoeta South counties."

"The types of exploitation children face differ by gender. Boys are more likely to work in dangerous industries or join armed groups, while girls disproportionately face forced marriage, household servitude and sexual abuse. Children walk to the Malaika Primary School in Juba, South Sudan. Education remains the strongest protective factor, Save the Children said [File: Samir Bol/Reuters] Knowing the law does not stop child exploitation, researchers found."

A government study conducted with Save the Children surveyed over 418 households across seven states and found 64 percent of children aged five to 17 engaged in the worst forms of child labour, including forced labour, sexual exploitation, theft and conflict. Regional hotspots like Kapoeta South report rates up to 90 percent, where children work in gold mining, pastoralism and farming instead of attending school. Yambio faces similar pressures driven by local conflict and child marriage. Children often escalate from simple tasks to dangerous work; about 10 percent reported ties to armed groups. Education is the strongest protective factor, while legal awareness alone does not prevent exploitation.

Read at www.aljazeera.com