The Beninese government has launched the second phase of its national “Zero Tolerance to Child Labour in High-Prevalence Sectors” campaign, reaffirming its commitment to strengthening child protection nationwide.
The official launch ceremony was held in Sèmè-Podji, in the south-eastern part of the country, under the chairmanship of the Minister of Labour and Civil Service, Adidjatou A. Mathys, alongside the Minister of Social Affairs and Microfinance, Véronique Tognifodé, and the Minister Counsellor for Social Affairs and Labour, Mariam Djaouga Sacca.
The event brought together several administrative and local authorities, including the Prefect of Ouémé, Marie Akpotrossou, the Mayor of Sèmè-Podji, Jonas Gbenameto, as well as UNICEF’s Resident Representative in Benin, Ousmane Niang, a key partner in the initiative.
Participants also included representatives of the International Labour Organization (ILO), the National Steering Committee for the Elimination of Child Labour, sectoral ministries, employers’ organisations, trade unions, civil society groups, security forces, community leaders, parents and children.
Through this campaign, the authorities aim to intensify efforts to combat child labour in the most affected sectors, notably mining and quarrying, agriculture, markets, construction sites and street-based activities.
According to official figures, sustained efforts over recent years have led to a significant decline in child labour, with prevalence falling from over 50 percent in 2014 to around 19.9 percent in 2022.
By relaunching the “Zero Tolerance” campaign, the Beninese government reiterates its determination to eradicate all forms of child exploitation and to ensure a future for children grounded in education, protection and dignity.
RNK/ac/lb/as/APA