What's Happening?
The International Labour Organization (ILO) has launched a mission in Türkiye's Black Sea region, focusing on eliminating child labour in the hazelnut agriculture sector. The initiative, conducted in collaboration with the Ministry of Labour and Social Security (MoLSS) and other stakeholders, aims to improve living and working conditions for seasonal agricultural families. The mission included visits to local government officials and field inspections in Samsun and Ordu, where efforts are being made to enhance education and social services for children of seasonal workers. The ILO's Director for Türkiye, Yasser Hassan, emphasized the importance of provincial leadership and collaboration in achieving meaningful change. The mission also highlighted the role of education and social services in preventing child labour and improving family resilience.
Why It's Important?
This initiative is significant as it addresses the persistent issue of child labour in Türkiye's agricultural sector, particularly in hazelnut farming. By improving living conditions and access to education for seasonal workers' families, the ILO aims to break the cycle of child labour. The collaboration between public authorities, schools, and social services is crucial for creating sustainable change. The involvement of private sector partners like CAOBISCO and Ferrero further strengthens the initiative, demonstrating the importance of multi-stakeholder partnerships in tackling social issues. The mission's success could serve as a model for similar efforts in other regions, highlighting the potential for systemic change through coordinated action.
What's Next?
The ILO plans to continue its efforts in Türkiye by scaling up interventions and ensuring sustainability through strong institutional frameworks. The mission's outcomes will be reviewed to reinforce provincial coordination mechanisms and ensure effective implementation of national policies at the local level. The ILO's partnership with MoLSS and other stakeholders will focus on protecting children from child labour, providing quality education, and improving livelihoods for agricultural families. The initiative's success could lead to expanded efforts in other regions, potentially influencing national policies and practices related to child labour and social protection.
