A. M. 
The Government of El Salvador presented the Plan for the Prevention and Eradication of Child Labor in the Construction Sector, a strategy developed in alliance with the Cámara Salvadoreña de la Construcción (CASALCO). This effort seeks to eliminate the participation of children and adolescents in hazardous work activities, protecting their integral development.
The Minister of Labor, Rolando Castro, emphasized during the announcement that the eradication of child labor must be based on principles and values. According to the official, this initiative also seeks to overcome the cultural barriers that perpetuate these practices in the country. For its part, CASALCO reaffirmed its commitment to promote a responsible and ethical industry.
The plan includes four phases. The first phase is a public declaration of commitment to zero tolerance of child labor in construction. The second phase includes project inspections to ensure that no minors are employed in construction work.
The third phase will strengthen the measures implemented, promoting their sustainability. Finally, the fourth phase seeks to declare the country free of child labor in the construction sector, consolidating the results achieved.
José Vásquez, president of CASALCO, stressed that children should be dedicated to education, not work. “We firmly believe that on the backs of children there should only be school bags, not work burdens”, he said.
The Government reiterates its commitment to the rights of children and will continue to promote public policies to guarantee their full development, ensuring a promising future for early childhood in El Salvador.
