Brief

Myanmar Programme on the Elimination of Child Labour (My-PEC), Emerging good practices

The International Labour Organization (ILO) has been implementing the Myanmar Programme on the Elimination of Child Labour (My-PEC) since 2014, funded by the United States Department of Labor. My-PEC aims to reduce child labour in Myanmar by expanding the knowledge base, increasing awareness, improving legislation, strengthening national and local capacities, and reducing child labour in target communities through direct interventions. The program has faced significant challenges, including the COVID-19 pandemic and the military takeover in 2021, which have increased vulnerabilities to child labour. Despite these challenges, My-PEC has adapted its strategies, employing online capacity development and smaller group engagements to continue its work.

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My-PEC has generated several good practices, including on capacity development, policy formulation, awareness raising, and direct support. One notable practice is the comprehensive, community-based, and localized direct support services, which have proven effective in reaching children and sustaining activities during crises. The program has also built local capacity for monitoring through Direct Beneficiary Monitoring and Reporting (DBMR) teams, which not only fulfill donor requirements but also empower communities to research, monitor, and report on child labour. Additionally, My-PEC has integrated child labour indicators into Myanmar’s Child Protection Case Management System, enhancing the country’s child protection framework.

 

Another innovative practice is the photojournalism initiative, which empowers children and young people to document their lives and working conditions through photography. This initiative has produced powerful visual stories that raise awareness and humanize the issue of child labour. My-PEC has also provided specific guidance on integrating child labour into other programs, making it easier for stakeholders to apply this guidance in high-risk sectors. Overall, My-PEC’s integrated strategy and focus on empowerment have made significant contributions to combating child labour in Myanmar, offering valuable lessons for other countries facing similar challenges.

Additional details

References

  • MMR/13/10/USA
Myanmar
Myanmar workers are on the way from Kalaw to Inle Lake

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Myanmar

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