The ILO has launched the GALAB Project in the DRC to combat child labour in cobalt mining. Funded by USDOL, it follows the COTECCO Project, focusing on strengthening remediation services for over 6,200 child miners. The initiative aims to improve child protection, raise awareness on labour standards, and promote accountability among stakeholders, with expected reductions in child labour practices.
The International Labour Organization (ILO) has initiated the GALAB Project in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), focusing on eradicating child labour in the artisanal cobalt mining sector. Funded by the U.S. Department of Labor (USDOL), this initiative builds upon the preceding COTECCO Project, aiming to enhance child protection and accountability among stakeholders involved in cobalt extraction. The DRC is the world’s largest cobalt supplier, but the sector is plagued by serious issues related to child labour, with numerous children engaging in unsafe mining conditions.
The GALAB Project seeks to fortify the Congolese government’s ability to combat child labour by implementing a Child Labour Monitoring and Remediation System (CLMRS) that addresses the needs of over 6,200 registered child miners in specific provinces. Through partnerships with organizations such as UNICEF, the project will provide educational support, vocational training, and assist families in generating stable incomes, thus discouraging reliance on child labour.
Moreover, the project aims to improve the training of labour inspectors and promote transparency in mining conditions, facilitating a robust system that adheres to international labour standards. By fostering collaboration between public and private sectors, the GALAB Project will strengthen due diligence in mining operations and increase awareness of responsible business practices.
Nteba Soumano, ILO Country Director, emphasized the significance of the GALAB Project in safeguarding children’s rights within the cobalt supply chain. “The GALAB project is a crucial step forward in our collective efforts to combat child labour in the DRC’s cobalt supply chain. By strengthening remediation services and engaging the private sector, we can make a real difference in the lives of children and their families and contribute to a more responsible and sustainable mining sector.”
The anticipated outcomes of the GALAB Project include an increase in remediation efforts for registered child labourers, a decline in child labour practices, enhanced accountability from both public and private sectors, and improved stakeholder collaboration to uphold fundamental rights in the workplace.
The Democratic Republic of the Congo is a significant global supplier of cobalt, a vital mineral used in electric vehicle batteries and renewable energy technologies. However, the artisanal mining sector poses significant ethical and safety challenges, including the widespread occurrence of child labour. This reality has prompted international organizations, such as the ILO, to implement dedicated projects aimed at improving child welfare and promoting dignified working conditions within this sector. The GALAB Project represents ongoing efforts to eradicate such labor practices and reinforce accountability among stakeholders in the cobalt supply chain.
The launch of the GALAB Project signifies a pivotal advancement in combatting child labour within the DRC’s cobalt mining sector. By focusing on providing comprehensive remediation services and fostering robust collaborations across various stakeholders, the project seeks to safeguard the rights of vulnerable children and promote ethical practices within the mining industry. The expected decrease in child labour incidents and enhanced accountability underscores the project’s crucial role in driving sustainable, responsible mining operations.
Original Source: www.ilo.org
