Organizational Challenges In Implementing Child Labor Regulations In Central Region,Eritrea

I worked in the Ministry of Labor and Social Welfare of Eritrea(MoLSW)as an employment officer and researcher for the last 14 years.A latent rising incident of child labor among the Eritrea children is an increasing concern in the nation.The mandatory Ministry in eliminating child labor is MoLSW.However,the Ministry was not able to reduce or eradicate child labor.The purpose of this study is to investigate the different definitions of child labor among the two departments of the Ministry(i.e.,Department of Labor and Department of Social Welfare);explore the existing regulations and policies,and identify the social and institutional challenges in implementing the regulations and policies.The research methodology is qualitative research.The study employed a purposive sampling method and held an in-depth interview with key informants from MoLSW,UNICEF,and the Ministry of Education;document analysis and participant observation,The I analyzed the data using thematic analysis.The study identified seven themes and discussed them thoroughly.These identified themes are the different definitions among the two departments,policies and regulations gap,prevalence of child labor,socio-economic challenges,institutional challenges,and respondents’ recommendation.The study has employed organizational system theory by Richard Scott in the discussion.Hence,the study synthesized ’ strengthening system approach as an approach that determines the functional strength of the legal and institutional system’s whole parts.In Scott’s theory of organization as an open system,the structure of coalition,its outcomes are strongly influenced by environmental factors.The finding indicated that the people’s beliefs,culture,gender issues,educational institutions,society’s economy,family status,and awareness directly influence the organizational implementation of the regulations and policies.The institutional challenges which hindered the implementation of regulations and policies are lack of resource,insufficient technology,lack of child labor data and information,lack of institution and finally weak political commitment.Finally,National Data and information about child labor must be available.Child labor policy must be drafted.Strong coordination and cooperation must be encouraged among the two departments of the Ministry and stakeholders.There should be clear and practical regulations for apprenticeship activities for children above the age of 14 years.The inspectors must have a guide of a list of hazardous work activities.The Ministry ought to promote technology and internet access.The decision-makers must allow enough financial resources for the child labor eradication program.Children should get access to quality education.Awareness campaigns must be held to society and employers.Poverty eradication programs,decent work,loan schemes,and for the vulnerable families,aid must be applied by the government body.The Ministry of Justice should play a significant role in enforcing the policies and regulations.