AMERICA/MEXICO – majority of child workers in Mexico’s south east regions

Mérida (Agenzia Fides) – In the Mexican state of Yucatan about 4, 680 children aged between 5 and 17 live in situations of extreme vulnerability. They work in the fields, on building sites, in manufacturing and commerce , and are often forced to interrupt or abandon school. According to a national survey, Module of Child Labour 2013, issued by the Office of Labour and Welfare (STPS ) with the National Institute of Statistics and Geography(Inegi), the highest percentages of minor workers are in the south eastern states of Mexico. In Guerrero, Oaxaca, Tabasco, Campeche, Chiapas and Quintana Roo 10 to i 13.9% of the country’s minor works, in Yucatan 8.4%. Inegi says the country has 29.3 million children of whom, 8.6% (2 .5 million), are involved in some field of economic activity.
In Yucatan, according to the latest census in 2010, which registered 1. 995,000 inhabitants, it is estimated that 28% is between 5 to 17 and of these 8.6% work, about 4, 680 children. A survey by STPS, revealed that most male children work in the sectors of agricultural and building, whereas the girls work in manual labour and commerce. Signee countries of the International Convention of Children’s Rights, among them Mexico, recognise minors’ rights to protection against economic exploitation and involvement in any kind of work which is dangerous or could hinder education . (AP) (9/9/2014 Agenzia Fides)