The Ministry of Labor, Employment, and Social Security (MTEySS) led the presentation of the achieved status alongside workers, representatives from the union and business sectors. This recognition reflects the hard work carried out by the Argentine Blueberry Committee (ABC), which has been addressing the issue of child labor and promoting education for several years.
Jorge Pazos, President of the ABC, proudly stated, “At the Argentine Blueberry Committee, we have been working on the prevention and eradication of child labor and the promotion of education for several years now. Our conviction and commitment to this complex and sensitive issue have allowed us, as a sector, to design a National Social Compliance System that covers over 50% of blueberry production in Argentina.”
Minister of Labor, Employment, and Social Security, Kelly Olmos, emphasized the importance of collaborative efforts between the Ministry, provincial and municipal governments, as well as collaboration with international organizations and actors from the private and union sectors. She stressed that this recognition as a “Pioneer Country” is the result of a collective effort and reflects the institutional development in Argentina to make the world of work a space of dignity.
The “Pioneer Country” category distinguishes states that have adopted legislation, established policies, coordination mechanisms, and renewed political will to promote new approaches. It includes countries willing to do more and act faster to achieve Goal 8.7, intending to pave the way and inspire other countries facing similar issues, ensuring that no one is left behind in ending child labor by 2025 and modern slavery by 2030.
Alliance 8.7 and Tripartite Roadmap:
The Alliance 8.7, committed to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), is a global partnership involving governments, UN agencies, intergovernmental organizations, businesses, and civil society organizations. The “Pioneer Country” category distinguishes those states adopting rapid policies and actions to achieve Goal 8.7.
Argentina developed a Tripartite Roadmap with seven central points:
- Strengthening federalization for the development and promotion of policies on the eradication of child labor.
- Prevention and eradication of child labor and forced labor in value and supply chains.
- Production of data and statistics for decision-making.
- Deepening actions for the eradication of sector-specific child and forced labor.
- Restoration of rights and strengthening labor capabilities for individuals affected by human trafficking and forced labor crimes.
- Strengthening international cooperation.
- Promotion of actions within the framework of Alliance 8.7.
Child labor is a multifaceted issue where we all are part of the problem and, therefore, must be part of a joint solution. That’s why our sector’s approach to the issue is through collaborative management with the public sector and civil society.
Throughout the process, the ABC receives support from programs such as the “Buena Cosecha” program of the National Ministry of Labor, the “Crecer” Program of RENATRE, technical support and advice from the NGO Desarrollo y Autogestión (DyA), as well as the support of the 5 Communes where we have our Child Care Centers and Youth Spots Centers in the province of Tucumán: Santa Lucía, Sargento Moya, León Rougés, Teniente Berdina, and Rumi Punco, the Secretary of State for SMEs and Employment of Tucumán, the Ministry of Social Development of Tucumán, and the company Randstad, a member of the Network of Companies against Child Labor.
The presentation event for this national achievement was attended by the Director of International Affairs (MTEySS), Gerardo Corres, the Coordinator for the Fight against Human Trafficking and Forced Labor and for Assistance to Victims, Laura Ferrante, the Head of Gender and Diversity at AySA, Estefanía Borthiry, the President of the Argentine Blueberry Committee – ABC, Jorge Pazos, the Coordinator of Policies for the Prevention and Eradication of Child Labor and Protection of Adolescent Labor, Juan Bruno, and union representatives Susana Santomingo (CGT), Rosario Hasperué (CTA Autónoma), and Viviana Doval (CTA Trabajadores).
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