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Insight Horizon Media

Is child labour illegal in Ethiopia?

Author

Mia Smith

Published Feb 09, 2026

Is child labour illegal in Ethiopia?

The law in Ethiopia does not include free basic education or a compulsory age for education, leaving children vulnerable to the worst forms of child labor. Children in Ethiopia are subjected to the worst forms of child labor, including forced labor in domestic work and commercial sexual exploitation.

What are the child labor laws in Ethiopia?

Ethiopia still lacks a compulsory education law which leaves children vulnerable to the worst forms of child labor. Social programs to combat child labor have not sufficiently targeted sectors with a high incidence of child labor. Children in Ethiopia are engaged in child labor, including in agriculture.

What is the minimum working age in Ethiopia?

14 years
Minimum age and protection of young workers Under Article 89 of the Labour Proclamation the statutory minimum age for young workers is 14 years. Beyond the age of 14 years, no person may employ a child for work that is inappropriate or that endangers his or her life or health (Article 89 (2) and (3)).

What are the problems faced by child labour?

Child labour can result in extreme bodily and mental harm, and even death. It can lead to slavery and sexual or economic exploitation. And in nearly every case, it cuts children off from schooling and health care, restricting their fundamental rights and threatening their futures.

What are the causes and effects of child Labour?

Child labor persists even though laws and standards to eliminate it exist. Current causes of global child labor are similar to its causes in the U.S. 100 years ago, including poverty, limited access to education, repression of workers’ rights, and limited prohibitions on child labor.

What is the percentage of child Labour in Ethiopia?

Demographics in Child Labor: The demographic breakdown of child labor in Ethiopia shows the lowest rate for children ages 5-9, with 48 percent of them working in the labor force. This percentage jumps to 72 percent for children ages 10-14 and 75 percent for children ages 15-17.

What are some companies children Work for in Ethiopia?

The children participating in manufacturing textiles and gold are most prominent in urban areas, while those working in cattle herding and production are the most prominent in rural areas.

What are the most common jobs in Ethiopia?

These top five jobs are:

  • Lumberjack.
  • Dairy Farmer.
  • Enlisted Military Personnel.
  • Oil Rig Worker.
  • Newspaper Reporter.

How long is maternity leave in Ethiopia?

In accordance with the Constitution of Ethiopia and Labour Proclamation, female workers are entitled to fully paid maternity leave of 120 working days (30 days antenatal and 90 days postnatal) on the recommendation of a medical doctor.

What is the punishment of child labour?

— (1) Whoever employs any child or permits any child to work in contravention of the provisions of section 3 shall be punishable with imprisonment for a term which shall not be less than three months but which may extend to one year or with fine which shall not be less than ten thousand rupees but which may extend to …

What human rights does child labour violate?

Child labour Child labour violates children’s rights to be protected from economic exploitation and from performing any work that is likely to be hazardous or to interfere with a child’s education and overall development.

What are 10 causes of child labor?

Below are some of the root causes which make children particularly vulnerable to child labour.

  • Poverty.
  • Lack of access to quality education.
  • Poor access to decent work.
  • Limited understanding of child labour.
  • Natural disasters & climate change.
  • Conflicts & mass migration.
  • Fighting child labour.