In the frame of the World Day Against Child Labor, the Costa Rican Ministry of Work launched a campaign and signed a decree to raise awareness regarding child labor and with the objective of eradicating dangerous child labor by 2020.

In Costa Rica it is forbidden for children under the age of 15 to do any kind of work, while teens over 15 are allowed to work under special conditions that guarantee their safety and protection.

The executive decree declares of public interest the Strategic National Plan “Roadmap to make Costa Rica a country free of child labor and its worst forms (hazardous work, sexual exploitation and trafficking of minors)”.

Vice-President Epsy Campbell (exercising as President in absence of Carlos Alvarado who is currently in Washington D.C.), signed the decree along with the Minister of Work Steven Nuñez.

“The Government of Costa Rica confirms its commitment in the eradication of child work, because the only job our children should have is dreaming. This Roadmap is an image of a desired future, the future must be built in the present”, commented Campbell.

“We make a call on this situation so that minors do not make headlines as a result a work related accidents; if we want a safe and healthy generation we must continue in the route that leads us to the eradication of child labor by 2020 as it is established in the Roadmap that is declared today of public interest”, said Nuñez.

According to data by the International Labor Organization Costa Rica is a regional leader when it comes to child labor of children under 15 years of age, with an occupation index of only 1.1%.

The Ministry of Work will continue to create alliances with other institutions and organizations to contribute with the prevention and eradication of child labor and the protection of working teens