Situational Assessment
COVID-19 and child labour in Myanmar
This study conducted remotely between July 2020 and January 2021 sought to understand the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on child labour. The study was conducted in six states and regions: Ayeyarwady Region, Bago Region, Kayin State, Mon State, Shan State and Yangon Region. There were 1,091 surveys conducted with parents and children in low-income households, along with 20 surveys and 19 interviews with community leaders. There were also discussions with six policy-makers and five representatives of the media.
The study found that 96% of the children interviewed were not attending school at the time of the survey. 75% of parents surveyed suggested that it is common, or very common, for children under the age of 14 to work in their township. 83% of children said their contribution of chores at home had increased during 2020. This was largely attributed to children having more free time due to COVID-related school closures. 82% of respondents noted a decrease in their household income. 41% of respondents noted a loss of work by one or more household member.
The study makes the following recommendations:
- Generate clear impact goals for each sector and community, then create a targeted plan for each context.
- Identify community actors, such as teachers and civil society leaders, who can help lead awareness-raising efforts.
- Desensationalize child labour, focus on addressing underlying socio-economic drivers, and encourage stakeholders to empathize with families touched by this issue.
- Plan further capacity-building for stakeholders, covering key concepts and broader perspectives of child labour, including children working in the informal sector. Provide translations into local languages as needed.
Raise awareness around the long-lasting impact of COVID-19 disruptions to education and coordinate with actors on a recovery plan.
Related content
Myanmar Programme on the Elimination of Child Labour (My-PEC)