Child Labor Trafficking in West Africa: Causes, Consequences and Recommendations.
Instructions: Write a 18-20 pages paper. APA style.
Context: Child Labor is increasing in West Africa even though countries in the region have pledge to develop and implement measures to eradicate it. The purpose of my research is to look at current causes and consequences of child labor in West Africa today, explore what were the previous responses adopted and what policies ECOWAS could further implement to better tackle this long-time growing issue. The study will focus on Ghana and Ivory Coast because both countries have high child labor rates, and child labor in both countries is mainly observed in the cocoa industry.
Research Questions:
What are the main causes and consequences of child labor trafficking in West Africa today?
In what countries and sectors is it most serious in?
Why did previous policies failed to resolve the problem?
What new policies and measures should be taken to tackle the issue of child labor trafficking in West Africa?
1. Introduction
– Why is it increasing rate? (Poverty, covid, deforestation, etnic conflicts, terrorism.. etc)
– Industries most affected
– Number of countries affected by child labor etc.
2. Case Study Countries in West Africa: (chosen because they have some of the highest rates of child labor trafficking in the region)
– Ghana (child labor)
o Main industries using child labor
o Industry role in Ghana’s economy
– Ivory Coast (child labor)
o Main industries using child labor
o Industry role in Ivory Coast’s economy
– Key differences and similarities between child labor trafficking industries in these countries
3. Causes of child labor trafficking in West Africa
– Poverty
– Armed Conflict
– Corruption
– Environmental: overfishing and other environmental impacts.
4. Consequences of child labor trafficking in West Africa
– Physical injuries
– Mental health trauma
– Social consequences (No school, lack of living skills)
5. Current policies and measures implemented in West Africa
– Palermo Protocol
– ILO Convention No.182
– Harkin Engel Protocol
– ECOWAS plan of Action of 2002
Recommendations
Policy recommendations
Conclusion
