Sector/Industry Activity

In 2013, Mali made a moderate advancement in efforts to eliminate the worst forms of child labor. In early 2013, children were recruited and used for military purposes by non-state groups and independently acting pro-government militias. Some recruited combatants were also detained and charged with crimes for their association with the armed conflict. During the reporting period, the Government signed an inter-ministerial circular to provide legal protection to children involved in armed conflict; signed and implemented a protocol agreement to provide social protection to children associated with armed conflict; disbanded some pro-government militias that were using child soldiers; and funded the National Unit to Fight against Child Labor. Children in Mali continue to engage in the worst forms of child labor as child soldiers and in agriculture and gold mining. Laws relating to the worst forms of child labor do not provide adequate coverage and gaps in enforcement have left children unprotected. I. PREVALENCE AND SECTORAL DISTRIBUTION OF CHILD LABOR Children in Mali are engaged in child labor, including in agriculture and gold mining.(1-8) Table 1 provides key indicators on children’s work and education in Mali