BSCFA Leads Way to Eradicated Child Labour in Belize Sugarcane Production

This World Labor Day Against Child Labor, BSCFA renews its commitment to work with government, NGO's and the sugar industry stakeholders to develop area based approach to put an end to child labor exploitation and abuse. It is convinced that the day will soon come when Belize will stand on the world stage sharing its knowledge and best practices with others. On the 9th and 10th of June 2016, The Belize Sugar Cane Farmers Association held two events in two communities to celebrate WORLD DAY AGAINST CHILD LABOR. The entire community was invited and children and youth were highly encouraged to attend. Events were held in the villages of Yo Creek and San Victor to raise awareness about child labor and inform parents about the negative impact of children's involvement in damaging work activities. Those present were provided with information pamphlets that defined what is child labor and laws in Belize applicable to the sugar production. Also included were definitions of worst forms of child labor and BSCFA's child labor policy. All present were encouraged to read the materials and have a discussion on the information provided. Later that day adults, youths and children were quizzed on specific questions and those that got the answers received a small prize. While BSCFA held similar events before, this year we found that community members were very comfortable discussing the topic, asking questions and challenging answers that others gave on the relevance of culture and the need for children to learn about sugar production. Most intriguing, were the discussions involving  alternative income generation for young people withdrawn from child labor and responsibility of supply chain actors to also support efforts to eliminate child labor. BSCFA explained to the communities that for Belize sugar to be sold in Europe and elsewhere it has to comply with socially responsible practices. Community members believed that because BSCFA is fair trade certified, is the reason why it is making strong emphasis on producing sugar without child labor. It was important for them to understand that while Fair Trade was the main accelerator in BSCFA's flight against child labor; that it was certainly not the only organization. National law prevents children from getting involved and supply chain actors are more and more insisting that the sugar they buy must be free from child labor.