1. Study on Child Labor in Ethiopia
Initial Draft
March 1, 2010
Study on Child Labor in Ethiopia
(Initial Draft)
An Assessment of the National Policy and Legislative
Response to Child Labor in Ethiopia
Ethiopian Human Rights Commission
Ghetnet Metiku
Research Officer
Ethiopian Human Rights Commission
March 2010
Ghetnet Metiku
Research Officer, EHRC
E-mail: gmgiorgis@gmail.com
Page 1 of 94

2. Study on Child Labor in Ethiopia
Initial Draft
March 1, 2010
Table of Contents
1. Introduction......................................................................................................................5
1.1. Purpose and Objectives of the study ........................................................................6
1.1.1. Purpose...............................................................................................................6
1.1.2. General and Specific Objectives........................................................................6
1.1.3. Key Research Issues..........................................................................................7
1.2. Research Approach...................................................................................................8
1.3. Definitions.................................................................................................................9
1.3.1. Meaning of Child Labour...................................................................................9
1.3.2. Other Definitions.............................................................................................12
1.4. Child Labour in Ethiopia........................................................................................14
1.4.1. Profile of Child Labour....................................................................................14
1.4.2. The Worst Forms of Child Labour...................................................................17
1.4.3. Causes of Child Labour...................................................................................17
1.4.4. Effects and Consequences of Child Labour ....................................................24
1.4.5. Child Labour and Violence against Children...................................................25
2. International Standards for Response to Child Labour..................................................27
2.1. Overview of Relevant International Human Rights Instruments............................28
2.2. Responses to Work by Children.............................................................................30
2.2.1. Birth Registration.............................................................................................30
2.2.2. Work Done by Children...................................................................................31
2.2.3. Children Doing Light Work.............................................................................33
2.2.4. Children Working as part of Training or Education........................................35
2.3. Response to the Worst Forms of Child Labour......................................................36
2.3.1. Defining the worst forms of child labour.........................................................38
2.3.2. Hazardous Work..............................................................................................39
2.3.3. Slavery and Similar Practices..........................................................................43
2.3.4. Children in Prostitution....................................................................................47
2.3.5. Pornography and Pornographic Performances.................................................49
2.3.6. The Involvement of Children in Illicit Activities............................................50
3. Legal and Policy Responses to Child Labour in Ethiopia.............................................52
3.1. Ratification of International Instruments................................................................52
3.2. The FDRE Constitution..........................................................................................52
3.3. National Policies and Action Plans.........................................................................53
3.3.1. The Development and Social Welfare Policy..................................................53
3.3.2. The Education and Training Policy.................................................................54
3.3.3. The National Plan of Action for Children........................................................54
3.3.4. The NPA on Sexual Abuse and Exploitation of Children...............................55
3.3.5. The Draft National Action Plan on the Elimination of the Worst Forms of
Child Labor in Ethiopia.............................................................................................56
3.4. Domestic Laws........................................................................................................58
Ghetnet Metiku
Research Officer, EHRC
E-mail: gmgiorgis@gmail.com
Page 2 of 94