The Democracy and Workers Rights Centre, based in Ramallah, is a respected and independent authority on workers’ rights.  It has just published a report entitled “Determinants and Consequences of Child Labor and Worst Forms of Child Labor in the West Bank” which makes for depressing reading.

According to the DWRC, even though laws are in place that should prohibit the employment of very young children, or block children from working in dangerous places, those laws are not enforced.  Some of the more chilling revelations:

Over 30% of the working children studied in their survey were under the legal minimum wage

Over 22% “undertake hazardous and harmful work, such as working in the stone and construction sectors, or in collecting solid waste”

Most of the children surveyed “are working in sectors or occupations where they may come to harm, such as agriculture, industry, metal workshops and car mechanics shops with 77.6% of the children indicating that employers do not provide any protective equipment or clothing.”

The DWRC concludes that “the study highlights the importance for decision-makers and civil society to work hand in hand to develop interventions that will provide better protection for children in the labour market, contribute in eliminating worst form of child labour, help the families and provide opportunities for children to resume their studies.”