Report: ESG Risk Monitor – Child Labor in Turkey
1. Paraphrased Content:
CHP Izmir Deputy Kani Beko highlighted the grave issue of child labor in Turkey, attributing it to poor economic policies. Beko emphasized that poverty and income inequality must be addressed as the primary step to reduce child labor. He also stressed the need for increased inspections to effectively prevent children from engaging in labor. According to Beko, a significant number of children are employed in agriculture and perform hazardous jobs. He further stated that child workers are deprived of their right to education, and the number of child laborers continues to rise, leading to an increase in workplace fatalities.
Beko criticized the government for its inaction and stated that despite declaring 2018 as the “Year of Combating Child Labor,” no significant progress has been made. He accused the government of concealing data on child labor for the past six years, questioning their commitment to fighting against child labor.
Citing data from the Occupational Health and Safety (İSİG) Council, Beko highlighted that at least 62 children have died while working in Turkey in 2021, with a total of 556 child worker deaths reported since 2013. He emphasized that child labor is not limited to underdeveloped countries and is influenced by factors such as migration, poverty, limited access to education, and exploitative labor practices.
Beko emphasized the necessity of establishing a Child Monitoring System to effectively prevent child labor. He suggested conducting a comprehensive national survey on child labor, using the findings to develop policies and programs aimed at eliminating child labor. Beko also stressed the importance of raising public awareness about the negative impact of child labor, utilizing media platforms, engaging in social activities, and seeking support from NGOs.
To prevent the use of children as cheap labor in the agricultural sector, Beko called for better conditions and regulations in the agricultural industry. He also proposed providing financing and organizing the curriculum for child workers returning to school. Beko emphasized the importance of supporting city councils in addressing the needs of children living on the streets and fostering cooperation between public institutions, organizations, workers, employers, and NGOs.
Beko highlighted that Turkey was among the first six countries to participate in the 1992 IPEC agreement to eliminate child labor. He provided statistics indicating that 720,000 children between the ages of 5-17 work in Turkey, with the majority employed in agriculture. Research reports revealed that a significant percentage of street-working children face physical violence and sexual harassment. Beko emphasized the need for comprehensive solutions, such as reducing unemployment, improving the quality of education, raising family awareness, enhancing education levels, and establishing effective legislation to address child labor.
2. List of ESG Risks:
– Child labor
– Poverty and income distribution injustice
– Unsafe and poor working conditions
– Lack of government action and transparency
– Workplace fatalities
– Deprivation of the right to education
– Limited access to educational opportunities
– Migration and its impact on child labor
– Exploitative labor practices
3. Groups of Affected or Vulnerable People:
– Children engaged in labor
– Families living in poverty
– Child workers in agriculture and other industries
– Street-working children
– Workers in unsafe and poor working conditions
– Unemployed individuals
4. List of Companies Mentioned:
No specific companies are mentioned in the provided content.
5. List of Keywords:
Child labor, poverty, income distribution injustice, inspections, agriculture, education, unsafe working conditions, government inaction, data concealment, workplace fatalities, child monitoring system, national survey, public awareness, media, NGOs, agricultural sector, financing, curriculum, city councils, cooperation, public institutions, legislation, unemployment, quality of education, family awareness, effective legislation, IPEC agreement, migration, exploitative labor practices.
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