2023-09-22 14:05:25
Photo for illustrative purposes: PXhere
The legislation in force in Uruguay regarding child and adolescent labor is designed to protect the rights of children and adolescents, guaranteeing their comprehensive development and access to education. Uruguay is governed by a series of laws and regulations that prohibit child labor and regulate adolescent work in accordance with international standards..
The main norm that regulates this matter establishes the minimum age to work is 15 years, as long as certain requirements are met. This law establishes that adolescents of 15 to 17 years They can work under certain conditions, such as obtaining a work permit, passing a medical exam, and being supervised by a responsible adult. In addition, it prohibits night work and dangerous activities..
The Ministry of Labor and Social Security (MTSS) of Uruguay is the entity in charge of ensuring compliance with these laws and regulations, as well as promoting policies to prevent and eradicate child labor in all its forms. The education and training of adolescents is also promoted to guarantee their comprehensive development and their future employment under adequate conditions.
Additionally, and in a greater effort to protect national legislation, Uruguay has ratified the conventions of the International Labor Organization (ILO) related to child labor, committing to comply with international standards in this matter. This reflects the country’s commitment to protecting the rights of children and adolescents and their development in a safe and enabling environment.
Adolescent work: What tasks does INAU prohibit?
The Institute for Children and Adolescents of Uruguay (INAU) regulates the work of those people between 15 and 17 years of age who intend to work legally. However, there is a regulatory framework that determines the limits of the types of work they can carry out.
Hazardous jobs prohibited for these populations are those that, by their nature, put their own integrity at risk or have the potential to cause damage to the health and integral development of the individual.
Teenagers will not be able to do work according to the following list:
In weapons sales establishments. Manufacture, storage, distribution, placement or handling and sale of explosive substances or objects and materials containing them (including pyrotechnics). That involves forestry activities (excluding specific seedling tasks). That involves underwater activities or anything that involves submersion. On the high seas, rivers and fluvial environments. In industrial, semi-industrial and artisanal fishing. In areas with irregular topography or surface or that may present a risk of collapse or sliding. That involves activities underground or with the risk of remaining underground. In mining activities. In handling, application or storage of agrochemicals. In establishments or areas in which alcohol and/or tobacco are exclusively consumed or sold. That involve handling of passenger or cargo transportation. In which money or other valuable goods are transported. That involve assuming responsibility for your own safety and that of third parties. In waste collection and classification. That involve herding animals. In activities that involve bathing animals. That involve production, distribution or exclusive sale of alcoholic beverages. That involve exposure of the adolescent’s image in activities harmful to health and comprehensive development. Pablo Caram and the controversy over child labor in Artigas
The Mayor of Artigas, Pablo Caram (National Party), generated a wave of criticism and repudiation after relativizing and normalizing the existence of child labor in his department. In an interview broadcast on Thursday, Mayor Caram relativized and even seemed to make an apology for child labor in his department. According to him, there are minors on tobacco plantations, something he sees as “normal.”
“The family nucleus works in tobacco: the son, the daughter-in-law, some grandchildren. They work on the property“said the right-wing politician. When asked if there are children working, Caram responded: “Yes, but normal. It is much better to see a guy working than with his cell phone.”. Later, he said that his father forced him to work when he was a minor, something that he does not consider a “disgrace,” understanding that the only thing he “dignifies” is work, “not anything else.”
It also established a false dichotomy between child labor and drug consumption in these populations. “Sometimes I think that’s why we have so many drugged out kids, which is unfortunate.”he snapped. “You see them in front of the high school and they don’t go to class,” lamented the Artiguense mayor and historical leader of the National Party.
Mayor of Artigas, Pablo Caram defended child labor: “there are children on the plantations and it is normal”
The nationalist mayor relativized child labor, and assured that it is “normal” to see…
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