The National Center for Childhood and Motherhood reveals the role of the state in protecting children from economic exploitation

The National Center for Childhood and Motherhood revealed the state’s role in protecting children from all forms of economic exploitation through national legislation, strategies, and programs aimed at enhancing social protection, supporting families, and ensuring children’s access to education, care, and basic services. He noted in a statement to Al-Masry Al-Youm that the Council participated in implementing the National Plan to Combat the Worst Forms of Child Labor and Family Support (2018-2025), and is also currently contributing to the preparation of the second generation of the National Plan (2026-2030), in a way that strengthens national efforts aimed at eliminating child labor and providing the necessary protection and support for children and their families. The Council issued the unified operational procedural guide to combating child labor, with the aim of managing child labor cases and determining referral paths and appropriate services for children and their families. It also implemented a number of workshops and training courses to build the capabilities of members of protection committees and child help line workers to apply this guide. The Council implemented a number of initiatives and awareness campaigns in the jasmine harvesting villages in Gharbia Governorate, with the aim of raising awareness of children’s rights, the dangers of child labor, and the importance of education and protection. The Council also signed a cooperation protocol with the Egyptian Clothing Bank to support the families of children working in collecting jasmine and children in care homes in Gharbia Governorate, by providing free in-kind assistance and clothing within the framework of supporting the most needy families. The National Council for Childhood and Motherhood deals with cases of working children through an integrated protection system, which begins by receiving reports via the Child Helpline 16000 around the clock, whether from the child himself, his family, or anyone who monitors a child being exposed to danger. When a report is received regarding a working child, the General Administration for Child Help evaluates the case and determines the level of risk to which the child is exposed, and takes the necessary measures according to the nature of each case, with coordination with the child protection units in the governorates and the concerned authorities, with the aim of removing the risk factors. Providing appropriate protection for the child. Intervention mechanisms include, according to the needs of the case, providing legal, social, and psychological support, communicating with the family, and coordinating with the competent authorities to ensure that the child is protected and not exposed to exploitation, violence, or any working conditions that threaten his safety or hinder his right to education and sound development.