The ILO has launched the GALAB Project in the DRC to combat child labour in cobalt mining. Funded by the U.S. Department of Labor, this initiative builds on prior efforts to enhance accountability and improve children’s lives. The project emphasizes collaboration among stakeholders, aiming for a future with “zero children in mining” through comprehensive remediation services and strengthened monitoring systems.
On November 20, 2024, the International Labour Organization (ILO) announced the launch of the GALAB Project in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), aimed at combating child labour in the artisanal cobalt mining sector. Funded by the U.S. Department of Labor (USDOL), this initiative builds upon previous efforts to enhance accountability within the supply chain and promote decent working conditions. The GALAB project continues from the groundwork established by the COTECCO Project, focusing specifically on providing remediation services for children identified through the Child Labor Monitoring and Remediation System (CLMRS).
The DRC is the world’s largest cobalt supplier, essential for technologies including electric vehicles and renewable energy. However, this sector is heavily marred by the prevalence of child labour, particularly in artisanal and small-scale mining operations. With over 100,000 miners operating under hazardous conditions, the GALAB Project seeks to equip the Congolese government and other stakeholders with the necessary tools to eliminate child labour, aspiring for a status of “zero children in mining.” The program will provide strategic support to children and their families, facilitating their transition out of child labour.
To achieve its objectives, the GALAB initiative will implement diverse activities that prioritize child safety and sector accountability. By building upon the successful elements of the COTECCO Project, it will enhance referral and remediation services for children engaged in cobalt mining, with a focus on educational assistance and economic opportunities for families. Recent data from CLMRS indicated over 6,200 children involved in mining activities, emphasizing the urgent need for comprehensive action.
Collaboration with UNICEF, IMPACT Transform, and the PABEA-Cobalt initiative will be essential in ensuring that the identified children receive proper remediation services. The project will also include capacity-building for labour inspectors to foster a transparent monitoring system. Engagement with public and private sectors will promote adherence to international labour standards, particularly regarding child labour elimination.
The GALAB Project aims to reinforce public-private partnerships, emphasizing due diligence in mining operations. Training for private sector actors on national and international regulations will be fundamental to this initiative, enhancing responsible practices and increasing overall accountability. According to Nteba Soumano, ILO Country Director, the GALAB project marks a significant advancement in protecting children’s rights and addressing long-standing challenges within cobalt mining operations.
The anticipated outcomes of the GALAB Project encompass an increase in remediation actions for at-risk children, a decrease in child labour across mining sectors, and improved collaboration among all stakeholders, reinforcing fundamental worker rights.
The launch of the GALAB Project by the ILO represents a significant effort to mitigate child labour practices in the Democratic Republic of the Congo’s cobalt mining sector. Cobalt mining is critical for modern technologies but is notorious for severe ethical violations, including child exploitation. The DRC holds a pivotal position as a leading global cobalt supplier, making the enforcement of child labour regulations crucial. Previous initiatives like the COTECCO Project provided foundational work that demonstrated the importance of effective monitoring and remediation for vulnerable children engaged in cobalt extraction. The GALAB Project aims to build upon this legacy by amplifying accountability and improving the living conditions for children and families affected by these issues.
In summary, the GALAB Project is a vital step in addressing child labour issues in the cobalt mining sector of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Funded by the U.S. Department of Labor, this initiative builds on past efforts, specifically the COTECCO Project, to develop comprehensive remediation services for identified child labourers. By collaborating with various stakeholders, the project aims to enhance accountability and ensure decent working conditions. The ultimate goal is to eliminate child labour, fostering a safer and more ethical mining environment for future generations.
Original Source: www.ilo.org
