Research into the Impact of the Conflict on Worst Forms of Child Labour in Sierra Leone

Project Overview

Sierra Leone’s civil war left a devastating legacy, including the widespread engagement of children in the worst forms of child labour (WFCL). This project aimed to analyze the impact of the conflict on WFCL, identify socio-economic drivers, and propose effective policy interventions to address these human rights violations. The study focused on understanding perceptions of the conflict’s effects, post-conflict recovery efforts, and the socio-economic conditions of children involved in WFCL. Key objectives included: • Assessing the conflict’s impact on local economies and child welfare. • Exploring the relationship between the conflict and WFCL. • Identifying socio-economic drivers and stakeholder roles. • Evaluating existing policy frameworks and proposing recommendations for addressing WFCL. Through extensive literature reviews and primary data collection from 200 respondents across Sierra Leone, the study uncovered critical insights into the harsh realities faced by children engaged in WFCL. The findings highlighted poverty, inadequate social services, and weak state capacity as major contributors to child exploitation, with gender-specific challenges such as prostitution disproportionately affecting girls. Recommendations emphasized policy reforms, institutional strengthening, education access, and community-based interventions to safeguard children’s rights.