PARAMARIBO – Broad agreement has been reached on the need to formalize two draft state decrees to protect children and young people against child labor in the short term. This became apparent during a validation session of the Welfare and Labor Directorate this week, in which stakeholders from government, trade unions, business and social organizations were involved.
Rapid formalization in sight
The draft state decrees, the “Light Work Decree” and the “Decree to amend the Hazardous Work Decree”, have been discussed in detail. Although there is support for rapid implementation, points of interest and critical comments have also been raised.
Stakeholders will have an additional two weeks to submit additional feedback in writing. The decisions are then presented to the Minister and Deputy Minister of Health, Welfare and Labor (VWA), after which they are submitted to the President for approval.
Strengthening protection of young people
The validation session is part of broader government policy to better protect children and young people against child labor. This process is also in line with the implementation of the Decent Work Country Program Suriname III (2023–2026).
The measures arise from the 2018 Child and Youth Employment Act. This law stipulates that children aged 13 to 15 may only perform light work under strict conditions. Young people aged 16 and 17 are allowed to work, but are excluded from hazardous work.
To implement these rules in practice, a tripartite Commission for Hazardous and Light Work for Children and Young Persons was established in 2023. This committee drew up the draft state decrees after consultations with various stakeholders and with the support of experts.
‘Child labor is undesirable in any form’
At the opening of the session, VWA Deputy Minister Raj Jadnanansing emphasized that child labor must be prevented at all costs. According to him, the protection of children and young people against exploitation is a joint responsibility of the government, social partners and civil society organizations. He also underlined the need to clearly define which forms of light work are permitted.
Integrated approach necessary
At the same time, the Deputy Minister pointed out the complexity of the problem, which is often related to socio-economic conditions and affects various policy areas.
An integrated approach is therefore necessary. According to him, the two draft state decrees are a concrete result of the work of the tripartite committee and the National Commission for the Elimination of Child Labor.
