Background
On 18 March 2026, the Ministry of Labour and Vocational Training (MLVT) launched a campaign on the prevention and elimination of child labour and the promotion of working conditions for young workers. The event took place at the rubber plantation site of Swift Resources (Cambodia) in Snuol district, Kratie province, and was presided over by H.E. Suon Vannaroth, Permanent Secretary of State, representing the Minister of Labour and Vocational Training and Chair of the National Committee on Child Labour (NCCL).
The campaign forms part of Cambodia’s efforts, as a member of the International Labour Organization (ILO), to contribute to the global commitment to end child labour. It also reflects the ongoing role of the NCCL and provincial child labour committees in addressing child labour in priority sectors.
Scope of Application
The awareness campaign focuses on sectors identified as priorities for child labour prevention, particularly brick and tile production and agro-industry. It targets employers, workers, parents, guardians, local authorities, and community members in Kratie province, with participation from:
- Leaders, vice chairs, and members of the National Committee on Child Labour (NCCL)
- Child labour committees from all 25 capital and provincial administrations
- Representatives from relevant ministries and institutions
- Capital-province, district, and commune administrations
- Directors of provincial Departments of Labour and Vocational Training
- Employer associations and trade unions
- Enterprise owners in agro-industry and brick production in Kratie province
- Parents, guardians, teachers, and children
Approximately 500 participants attended the event.
Key Provisions or Decisions
During the launch, the Permanent Secretary of State outlined four main objectives of the campaign:
- To raise awareness among the public and stakeholders, especially parents, guardians, employers, and communities, about the risks and impacts of child labour in priority sectors such as brick and tile production and agro-industry.
- To strengthen the effectiveness of law implementation through labour inspection mechanisms aimed at improving working conditions for young workers.
- To enhance cooperation among all relevant stakeholders to support families and children in accessing education, life skills, vocational training, and opportunities for decent work and livelihoods.
- To reinforce Cambodia’s global commitment, as an ILO member, to ending child labour.
The Permanent Secretary of State also called for closer and continued cooperation among all stakeholders to jointly eliminate the worst forms of child labour and to further improve working conditions for young workers.
Implications for Investors, Businesses, or Compliance
The campaign underscores MLVT’s focus on enforcement of labour standards related to child labour and young workers, particularly in brick and tile production and agro-industry. Employers and enterprise owners in these sectors are expected to:
- Refrain from using child labour in violation of existing labour laws and regulations.
- Cooperate with labour inspectors and relevant authorities in monitoring and improving working conditions for young workers.
- Support initiatives that help children and young people access education, skills training, and safe employment opportunities.
Stakeholders, including employer associations and trade unions, are encouraged to participate in awareness and cooperation mechanisms promoted by the NCCL and provincial child labour committees.
Official Source
The information is based on an official announcement published by the Ministry of Labour and Vocational Training on its verified Facebook page.
