By Eileen Molloy
Co-Authors: Kelsey Newhook, Ella MacKinnon, Alina Schroeder, Justin Anderson
This photo shows a young boy between the age of 6-10 who works in the La Rinconada gold mine in Peru
Peru is one of the world’s top producers of gold, and “mining is the dominant sector of the Peruvian economy”. However, much of Peru’s mining economy is fueled by the illicit use of children workers in hazardous exploitative conditions. Child miners are rarely paid, and endure many severe health issues such as malaria and mercury poisoning.
The Facts
According to the International Labour Organization, “28% of all girls and boys in Peru have to work for a living”. Child labor not only has a detrimental on the children who are exploited, but also to Peruvian society because children are working and not receiving an education.
What’s being done?
In 2012, the United States donated money to help set up a plan that will “boost access to education to education for children in three of Peru’s poorest regions”. This project used 13 million dollars to improve education in rural areas in Peru. In addition to children having the opportunity to receive an education, parents in these regions will receive help in managing their incomes so children aren’t forced to work. This means that children will return to school and not be exploited in labor intensive work.
Hope for the Children of Peru
Children are returning to school, and their families don’t have to rely on their labor to make money. This short video shows the progress being made in Peru to advocate for child workers who are exploited.
The Progress
With increased awareness of exploitative child labor and government implemented projects, the child labor rate is decreasing. According to Children and Youth in History online article, “the number of children at work in the region has fallen by two-thirds, with just 5 percent of children now engaged in unsatisfactory child labor.” However, there are some people that oppose any child laws being made. Some argue that children have helped in the fields since Inca times, and believe that “this tradition should continue as part of the normal development of people growing up in rural areas.” The Peruvian government is working to eliminate child labor, and in doing so they also have to find solutions for the poverty that is prevalent in Peru. Poverty is the main reason why children are forced to work, and it is estimated that 60% of children live in poverty.
Summary Factoids:
- What is “the dominant sector of the Peruvian economy? Mining, specifically gold
- Who is being exploited in the mines of Peru, and what impact does this have on society? Children are being forced to work labor intensive and hazardous jobs. This effects society due to the fact that large numbers of children are not receiving an education.
Work Cited
“Child Labor at La Rinconada [Photograph],” in Children and Youth in History, Item #412, https://chnm.gmu.edu/cyh/primary-sources/412 (accessed March 5, 2017).
Hastings, Deborah. “Child Labor, Sex Slaves i Peru’s Gold Mines.” NY Daily News. N.p., 11 Feb. 2014. Web. 03 Mar. 2017.
“Peru Launches Project to Fight Child Labour.” BBC News. BBC, 12 July 2012. Web. 03 Mar. 2017.