ABSTRACT
The study attempts to determine the extent to which child labour constitutes a violation of
child rights. The intemational documents, especially the CRC, depart from the universal
conception of childhood, making children all over the world the same and deserving
similar treatment, more so claiming their rights. Using the case of child workers in Kenya,
it examines the notion of childhood which f01ms the basis to any child rights claims.
Employing the cultural politics of childhood, the essay argues that childhood on which
child rights are founded is a contested notion. Children are valued differently in all
societies across the world.
Additionally, the thesis argues that education proposed as a panacea for child labour is also
a contested field as its aims and values vary across societies. The westem education system
may not be the ideal for the lives of children working on tea and tobacco estates. Thus, the
basis on which child rights are based, and the proposition of schooling as solution remain
problematic in the abolition of child rights. The thesis concludes by recommending the
capability approach which provides an altemative to the understanding and protection
human rights, children's rights included. In the capability approach, the end (substantive
opportunities) must be achieved freely (freedom ofprocesses) through the most efficient
and available means of sustaining economic life, security and welfare of people. The
capability approach treats human rights and education from a holistic perspective.
Key words: child, child labour, child work, child rights, CRC,poverty, childhood, cultural
politics of childhood, values, education, capability approach
Research, S. (2022). Child Labour and the Violation of Child Rights: A Case Study of Kenya. Afribary. Retrieved from https://afribary.com/works/child-labour-and-the-violation-of-child-rights-a-case-study-of-kenya
Research, SSA "Child Labour and the Violation of Child Rights: A Case Study of Kenya" Afribary. Afribary, 16 Aug. 2022, https://afribary.com/works/child-labour-and-the-violation-of-child-rights-a-case-study-of-kenya. Accessed 23 Nov. 2024.
Research, SSA . "Child Labour and the Violation of Child Rights: A Case Study of Kenya". Afribary, Afribary, 16 Aug. 2022. Web. 23 Nov. 2024. < https://afribary.com/works/child-labour-and-the-violation-of-child-rights-a-case-study-of-kenya >.
Research, SSA . "Child Labour and the Violation of Child Rights: A Case Study of Kenya" Afribary (2022). Accessed November 23, 2024. https://afribary.com/works/child-labour-and-the-violation-of-child-rights-a-case-study-of-kenya