Child labour in Eswatini

[2] During the colonial period between 1914 and 1947, child labour played an important role in the British government's control of Eswatini.

[6] Because child labour interferes with schooling, an individual's ability to escape poverty is significantly reduced.

[9] Specifically, the cost of transportation is a barrier that prevents poor children from attending school in many African countries.

[8] According to Hannie Dlamini, the chairman of the Eswatini Aids Support Organisation (EASO), "the extended family system is breaking down and there is no-one to look after orphans," meaning that "fifteen year olds are responsible for homes.

[12] In 1999, UNICEF found that many children initially went to work because their parents were unemployed, and the family needed a source of income.

[15] Although child labour is often seen as inherently bad because it has been found to be linked with adolescent mortality, some also argue that it should not be banned.

[12] Also, 66% of the country's population is unable to meet basic food needs so sometimes, child labour may be the only solution for a family.

[17] The group produced the African Charter on Human and Peoples' Rights in 1981, which included an article on the protection of children.

[17][18] In 2002, the OAU was replaced by the African Union (AU), whose vision is that of "an integrated, prosperous and peaceful Africa, driven by its own citizens and representing a dynamic force in global arena.

[20] Both children and young people are prohibited from work that is underground, involves selling alcohol, or is dangerous to their physical or emotional wellbeing.

[21] In addition to ensuring that children were enrolled in primary and secondary schools, the project worked to raise public awareness of exploitative child labour.

Livestock herding, a type of agricultural work, is considered to be one of the most severe forms of child labour.

[27] High rates of prostitution and other forms of sex work spread infectious diseases, perpetuating the issue of HIV in Eswatini.

[28] During the second half of the 20th century, Eswatini tourism industry benefited from the lack of war and relative peace within the country.