Saudi Arabia (Washington Insider Magazine) – In a significant move to tackle child labour, Saudi Arabia’s Family Affairs Council, in collaboration with the International Labour Organization (ILO) and the International Training Centre of the ILO (ITCILO), hosted a comprehensive five-day “Training of Trainers for Frontliners” program in Riyadh.
This initiative aims to empower participants with the necessary skills and knowledge to effectively address child labour, ensuring that Saudi efforts align with global standards.
Saudi Arabia’s Commitment to Child Protection
The training is part of Saudi Arabia’s broader strategy to eliminate child labour, building on the country’s recently adopted National Child Labour Policy. This policy aligns with international labour standards and outlines clear steps for implementation. Maymouna Al Khalil, Secretary General of the Family Affairs Council, emphasized the country’s dedication to protecting children, saying, “This initiative reflects our commitment to providing a safe environment for children and supporting the Kingdom’s Vision 2030, which aims to create a thriving society where all children can grow in a supportive and secure environment.”
Global Support for the Initiative
The ILO expressed its support for Saudi Arabia’s efforts. Peter Rademaker, ILO Deputy Regional Director for Arab States, highlighted the importance of addressing child labour, not only for human rights but also for sustainable social and economic development. “Together with the Family Affairs Council, we are proud to support the Kingdom in building a world free from child labour,” Rademaker stated.
Program Overview and Impact
The training, led by ITCILO Programme Officer Zeina Mezher, combined technical expertise with interactive learning methods to equip participants with an in-depth understanding of child labour. The program included a detailed exploration of Saudi Arabia’s policies and global best practices for tackling the root causes of child labour. Participants also engaged in case studies and group work, preparing them to apply the knowledge in real-life situations.
A Regional Benchmark for Change
This training is part of Saudi Arabia’s phased approach to implementing its National Child Labour Policy. Additional training sessions will continue into 2025, reinforcing the Kingdom’s commitment to eradicating child labour and advancing progress toward achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Through these efforts, Saudi Arabia is setting a regional benchmark for protecting children’s rights and combating child labour.
