Minister for Employment, Productivity and Workplace Relations Agni Deo Singh has stated that no child under 18 years of age should be involved in the cutting and loading of sugarcane. This message was delivered during the opening of a workshop on Human Rights and Environmental Due Diligence (HREDD), organized by the Fairtrade Network of Asia and Pacific Producers (NAPP) in Lautoka.
Mr. Singh highlighted that in Fiji, it is crucial for every individual to work in an environment free from exploitation, discrimination, and abuse. The issue of child labor in the sugar industry has been a significant concern. He emphasized the importance of ensuring that no child participates in hazardous work, which falls under the jurisdiction of his ministry.
The minister expressed gratitude to various organizations, including the Fiji Sugar Corporation and the Sugar Cane Growers Council, for their collaboration with the Fiji Government in providing training and awareness initiatives aimed at eliminating child labor in the sugar sector.
Current employment laws prohibit children from engaging in hazardous work or any activity that could compromise their health, safety, and well-being. Mr. Singh underscored the necessity of protecting children from exposure to hazardous materials, such as chemical fertilizers, pesticides, and weedicides. He reiterated that the safety and health of children are paramount, noting that while the effects might not be immediately visible, they could have long-term detrimental impacts on their health.