Since its launch in June 2024, the Child Rights Action Hub (Action Hub) has successfully facilitated awareness sessions on Child Labour Prevention and Remediation (CLPR) in Tawau, Sabah in collaboration with two palm oil companies, Wilmar International (24 September 2024) and Sawit Kinabalu (21 October 2024).
The primary learning outcomes of these knowledge-sharing sessions, facilitated by The Centre for Child Rights and Business (The Centre), include understanding requirements and standards, risk mitigation, corrective measures, and identifying actionable outcomes.
Participants of the CLPR session for Wilmar on 24 September 2024
74 participants representing 52 palm oil estates, mills, and other business operations attended the sessions. Wilmar International and Sawit Kinabalu were crucial in mobilising participants from the Sabah region and providing training venues.
According to the training survey, participants gained:
- A better understanding of child rights, the risks and consequences of child labour, and a due diligence approach to child labour prevention;
- Insights into compliance requirements, effective monitoring, reporting, and remediation strategies; and
- Awareness of challenges such as monitoring and managing risks in operations and business partners, as well as setting up remediation procedures and responsible recruitment systems.
Actionable plans indicated by participants included developing and implementing child labour remediation programmes and establishing internal policies and procedures to prevent child labour and improve recruitment practices.
Participants of the CLPR session for Sawit Kinabalu on 21 October 2024
Many participants have begun applying the knowledge by creating corrective action plans, establishing preventive policies, and improving recruitment practices. Feedback highlights a strong commitment to implementing these lessons, with many expressing interest in additional training and ongoing support to reinforce their efforts.
Get Involved
Upholding child rights and child protection is only possible through commitment from all stakeholders. Parents, communities, government, employers, international palm oil companies, and others all play an important role in establishing an industry-wide social compliance system that effectively prevents and remediates child labour. Additionally, investing in training teachers, who are the central welfare officers to these children, is one step in setting them up for a vibrant and healthy life.
If you or your business in the palm oil sector are interested in participating in this initiative and getting support to address the risk of child labour in your premises and supply chain, the MY Voice initiative can help. Reach out via email. Together, we can create a brighter future and bring positive changes to the children in these communities.
Learn more about the Child Rights Action Hub.
Photos courtesy of: The Centre for Child Rights and Business
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