User manual: Guidelines for implementing the community-based child labour monitoring system (CLMS) in Myanmar

The study underscores the persistent challenge of child labour in Myanmar, where over 1.1 million children were engaged in child labour as of 2015, primarily in agriculture, manufacturing, and trade. The Myanmar Programme on the Elimination of Child Labour (My-PEC),introduced the Child Labour Monitoring System (CLMS) as a community-based tool to systematically track and address child labour. Piloted in Ayeyarwaddy and Yangon regions, Mon State, Shan State, and Bago Region, the CLMS focuses on data collection, capacity building, and integration with existing child protection systems like CPIMS+. Utilizing KoboToolbox for offline and online accessibility, the system enables enumerators to collect detailed data on affected children, while program managers and ILO staff validate and analyze the information. Despite its potential, external challenges such as poverty, education barriers, and political instability continue to hinder child labour eradication efforts.

To enhance the CLMS’s effectiveness, the study recommends expanding its coverage to high-risk regions, strengthening integration with broader child protection initiatives, and providing continuous training for local stakeholders. Leveraging CLMS data for evidence-based policymaking can help design targeted interventions addressing root causes. Ensuring sustained technical and financial support will be crucial in maintaining the system beyond project lifecycles. Ultimately, the CLMS empowers local communities and decision-makers with the tools needed to systematically combat child labour, aligning Myanmar with international commitments to protect children’s rights and eliminate exploitative labour practices.