Training for Private Sector Companies in Uganda on Documentation of Child Labour Remediation Procedures

The training aims to strengthen the capacity of private sector companies to improve compliance, due diligence, and remediation on child labour.

Article | 22 February 2023
Due diligence training for Eastern Region, Uganda
Uganda, 23 March, 2023 - The International Labour Organization (ILO) in collaboration with the Federation of Uganda Employers (FUE) is organizing “Training for private sector companies on documentation of child labour remediation procedures” operating in the tea and coffee supply chains. The training is scheduled for 23rd March 2023 for Eastern Region and 31st March 2023 for Western Region in Uganda.

According to the latest ILO global estimates, 160 million children still work around the world, and child labour remains an urgent issue. In Uganda, the National Labour Force Survey (2021) reported that 6.2 million (40%) of children aged 5-17 years were in child labour, excluding household chores. The primary cause of child labour in Uganda is extreme poverty, which forces parents to employ their children.

The role of the private sector is critical in contributing to the fight against child labour. However, the constantly evolving legal, economic, commercial, and social environment can lead to an increase in child labour and human rights risks for businesses operating in both domestic and global supply chains. Supporting businesses to perform and grow in an environment that is respectful of human rights can contribute to economic growth, job creation, and poverty reduction.

In August 2022, FUE conducted a child labour audit among twenty private sector companies from the tea and coffee sectors in Western and Eastern Uganda. The audit established that the private sector companies lacked clearly documented procedures for remediation measures. Therefore, FUE recommended that private sector companies be trained and equipped with skills in documenting remediation procedures.

The training's, which responds to the above need, aims to strengthen the capacity of private sector companies to improve compliance, due diligence, and remediation on child labour. The specific objectives of the training include training private sector companies on documentation of child labour remediation procedures and proposing simple practices that companies can use to identify, prevent and mitigate risks and remedy cases of child labour.

The training is mainly aimed at private sector companies, including FUE members and potential members. However, it could also be of specific interest to central governments, local governments, unions, decision-makers, researchers, specialists in labour and civil society issues, etc.

The training is expected to equip private sector companies with skills to document remediation procedures that will lead to strengthening child labour intervention systems at company level. This training will contribute to the fight against child labour in Uganda and support the achievement of Target 8.7 of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).