Uganda, Malawi, and Kenya sign communique to combat child labour in tea supply chain

Naivasha, 30 May, 2024 - The signatures of the Tea Triangular document were finalized and announced during the knowledge sharing forum Innovative Solutions to Reduce Child Labour and Forced Labour in Naivasha, Kenya.

The communique was developed under the context of a study visit organized from 14 -22 February, 2024, which enabled a practical exchange of knowledge and good practices among the participating countries, focusing on the tea sector—a crucial economic pillar susceptible to child labour due to its extensive supply chains and significant employment potential.

The visit provided an invaluable platform for key tea stakeholders from the three countries to share insights and strategies to mitigate the pervasive issue of child labour in their tea industries. The initiative comes in response to global estimates indicating a disturbing increase in child labourers—from 152 million in 2016 to 160 million in 2020, with a marked rise in sub-Saharan Africa due to systemic inadequacies, poverty, and educational barriers.

A comprehensive approach to sustainable change

The communique reflects a comprehensive approach to eradicating child labour, emphasizing the importance of continuous knowledge exchange, the enhancement of inter-agency cooperation, and the cultivation of socially responsible and ethical tea production practices. Specific strategies discussed include optimizing value chains, especially for small-scale farmers, and ensuring compliance with international labour standards in tea production.

Key features of the agreement include:

• Annual hybrid exchange initiatives: These will facilitate ongoing engagement among stakeholders to discuss labour practices and innovations in eradicating child labour.
• Digital knowledge repository: A platform for sharing documents, analyses, and strategies proven successful in combating child labour.
• Unified communications campaign: Coordinated awareness efforts aligned with global observances like the World Day Against Child Labour and Tea Day.
• Governance and coordination: Designated focal points in each country will oversee the implementation of agreed-upon strategies, with the ILO providing leadership and support through its ACCEL Africa secretariat.

The communique not only fosters a rich exchange of ideas and best practices but also a unified commitment to eradicate child labour. This is expected to lead to more robust, coordinated actions that leverage the strengths of each country and partner involved. 

The initiative aligns with the principles of South-South and Triangular Cooperation (SSTC), emphasizing mutual benefit, respect for national sovereignty, and development effectiveness. As this partnership progresses, it aims to serve as a model for similar collaborations worldwide, proving that shared challenges in child labour can be effectively addressed through shared commitments to sustainable development and social justice.

This transformative collaboration marks a critical milestone in the global fight against child labour, particularly in the tea sector, setting a precedent for future international cooperative efforts aimed at securing ethical and socially responsible industry practices.