On Saturday, the National Commission for Human Rights in Libya (NCHRL) expressed its deep concern about the increasing numbers of Libyan children working in very unsafe conditions throughout the country.
In a statement, the NCHRL’s Women and Child Affairs Office explained that this escalation is due to armed conflicts that have led to the displacement of hundreds of thousands of civilians from their houses. Other factors that have led to the deteriorated conditions include the closure of schools due to the coronavirus pandemic and the exacerbation of the economic and humanitarian crisis.
The NCHRL also warned that the high rates of child labour in Libya pose a real danger to the environment and life of the children. This is linked to the level of education, per capita income, and the humanitarian and living conditions of all family members, especially the children.
The Office added that working children are most vulnerable to physical and psychological harm, in addition to depriving them of education and restricting their rights.
The Commission’s Women and Child Affairs Office called on state authorities to assume their responsibilities in combating child labour and protect the rights of children in Libya. They stressed that the best interests of children must be considered above all other considerations.