THE Fiji Police Force is working closely with the Ministry of Labour, the Ministry of Social Welfare, the Ministry of Education and non-governmental organisations in the fight against child labour.
West Police Commander SSP Salacieli Naivilawasa said with the assistance of these organisations children were being given their basic right to education. "In a situation where the child is not willing to go back to school who is 15 years and above, these children can be registered and trained under the National Employment Centre," said SSP Naivilawasa.
He said the legal framework under section 91 and 92 of the Employment Relations Promulgation 2007, labour officers and labour inspectors had the legal power to enforce the minimum age of employment which was 15 years. "Those who violate this law can face a fine from $10,000 for individuals to a maximum of $50,000 for corporations."
SSP Naivilawasa was chief guest at the World Day Against Child Labour in Lautoka yesterday.
Addressing guests at the celebrations yesterday, west labour officer Lui Mario said parents played a big part in fighting child labour. "We can only work together as a team to eliminate child labour in the country."