Author(s)

Emmanuel Allicious Macpherson Sam

Partners Law Firm, Freetown, Sierra Leone.

Child labor represents a significant challenge for many developing countries worldwide. Local and international laws and regulations establish standards that governments must comply with. However, due to a lack of proper monitoring systems, many countries permit children to engage in the most egregious forms of labor without restraint. The absence of proper control mechanisms leaves children vulnerable to exploitation and other forms of mistreatment. This study aims to investigate the level of compliance with human rights and child labor laws in diamond mines located in Sierra Leone. The mining industry has been plagued with reports of human rights violations, particularly those related to child labor. The objective of this case study is to provide a comprehensive analysis of the extent of compliance with relevant laws and regulations in the diamond mining sector in Sierra Leone. Through a combination of desk research and fieldwork, this study examines the current state of compliance with diamond mines’ human rights and child labor laws. The research methodology included an extensive literature review of relevant laws and regulations and interviews with key stakeholders, including government officials, civil society organizations, and industry representatives. The findings reveal that despite the existence of laws and regulations prohibiting child labor, the practice persists in some diamond mines in Sierra Leone. Moreover, there are concerns about miners’ working conditions, including health and safety issues and the lack of adequate compensation for their work. Despite the introduction of child rights laws, the issue of child labor in Sierra Leone remains a significant challenge. While the country has implemented several anti-child labor laws, it continues to have one of the highest rates of child labor in diamond mines. The persistence of this problem is a cause for concern as it undermines the country’s efforts to promote sustainable development and achieve its economic goals. The study indicates that while child labor laws are in place in various countries, there are discrepancies between domestic laws and international laws and standards. In instances where international laws are at odds with local laws, child labor may go unmonitored. It is crucial to bridge the gap between domestic and international laws and adhere to international standards to ensure the protection of children’s rights in the workforce.

Law, Human Rights, Child Labor, International Law, Diamond, Mines, Child Soldiers, War, Slums

Sam, E. (2024) Child Labor in Sierra Leone: The Intersection between International Law and Local Regulations. Open Journal of Social Sciences, 12, 392-410. doi: 10.4236/jss.2024.122022.