Stop Sending Children Out to Sell at Night, Says Ministry

Children selling roti parcels, muffins and other goods late at night may be in breach of Fiji's child labour laws if the activity affects their education, health or development, according to Permanent Secretary for Employment, Productivity and Workplace Relations Jone Maritino Nemani.

The warning comes amid growing public discussion surrounding children being involved in small-scale business activities, particularly those selling goods in the evenings.

Mr Nemani said while many families involve children in business activities with good intentions, there are clear legal limits under the Employment Relations Act 2007.

"However, there is a clear line in the law. If work is affecting a child's schooling, homework, study time, attendance, rest or academic performance, then it is not acceptable," he said.

He explained that children aged between 13 and 15 years may only perform light work, and only where that work does not negatively impact their health, development or education.

"A child's primary responsibility is to learn. Their future depends on education. No child should be placed in a situation where earning income becomes more important than completing homework, preparing for examinations or getting enough rest before school."

Mr Nemani said parents and guardians should pay close attention to signs that work may be interfering with a child's education.

"If a child is regularly returning home late, missing study time, struggling to complete homework, arriving at school tired or showing declining academic performance, those are warning signs that the arrangement may not be in the child's best interests and may not comply with the law."

He also stressed that parents and guardians carry the primary responsibility for providing for their children and should not place financial burdens on them.

"A child does not choose to be born. It is the fundamental responsibility of parents and guardians to provide for their children's needs, including food, shelter, education and care. Parents must never shift that responsibility onto their children."

"It is unacceptable for adults to send children out to work, sell goods or beg for money while they remain at home and are capable of providing for their families themselves. Children should not be carrying the financial burden of a household."

Mr Nemani said employers and business operators also have obligations under the law and must ensure any work undertaken by children complies with legal requirements.

"The law is designed to protect children. Education must never be sacrificed for income, no matter how well-intentioned the arrangement may be."

As Fiji marked World Day Against Child Labour on 12 June, he reminded parents, employers and communities that every child deserves the opportunity to remain in school and reach their full potential.

"The future of our nation depends on the education of our children. Homework, learning and school attendance must always come before work. No child should have their future compromised because income has taken priority over education," he said.

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