The worsening economic crisis in Cuba has led to an increasingly alarming phenomenon: a growing number of children working to support their families. Although not yet widespread, this trend is on the rise and highlights the severity of the situation.
The news portal CubaNet shared a video showing children in Havana seeking money in various ways, such as scavenging through trash, engaging in street vending, or begging for alms.
"It’s not a widespread issue, but the number of children and adolescents forced to work to make ends meet is increasing," noted the cited website.
"The official channels don't discuss the reasons," CubaNet pointed out, citing UNICEF, which acknowledged that at least nine percent of Cuba's child population suffers from extreme food poverty. This situation is likely compounded by other issues such as exposure to violence, material shortages of all kinds, and precarious living conditions.
Despite the Cuban regime's refusal to admit its responsibility for the increase in child labor, it blames families entirely for this social problem.
Government Blames Families for Child Labor
Last Friday, the official newspaper 5 de Septiembre from Cienfuegos quoted Lieutenant Colonel Marilín Cuellar Valdivia, Chief of the Juvenile Department of the Ministry of the Interior in Cienfuegos, who criticized the families of these children and adolescents. She claimed that "in most cases, it is an activity incited or at least permitted by the adult family members."
Cuellar emphasized that this situation, which constitutes indiscipline, should not be seen as "normal" and pointed out that it is more common in the popular councils of Caonao, Tulipán, and Junco Sur.
The news portal noted that it is common to see children and adolescents selling various products, especially seasonal fruits like mangoes, avocados, and mamoncillos.
In Cuba, the law prohibits child labor and protects the rights of minors according to the Constitution and the Labor Code. However, educational institutions in Santiago de Cuba, such as IPU-Cuqui Bosch and Espino Fernández Basic Secondary School, have identified cases of child labor in their communities.
An investigation by the newspaper Sierra Maestra revealed cases of primary school students missing classes to work. They either arrive late or are absent from school to help their families, something the regime criticized for decades, blaming it on capitalism and asserting that "this doesn't happen in the Revolution."
Understanding Child Labor in Cuba
The following questions and answers provide further insights into the current state of child labor in Cuba, its causes, and the government's stance on the issue.
What is causing the increase in child labor in Cuba?
The increase in child labor in Cuba is primarily driven by the worsening economic crisis, which forces families to rely on their children to contribute to their survival.
How does the Cuban government respond to accusations of responsibility for child labor?
The Cuban government denies responsibility for the rise in child labor, instead blaming families and accusing them of inciting or permitting this activity.
What does the law say about child labor in Cuba?
Cuban law prohibits child labor and protects the rights of minors according to the Constitution and the Labor Code. However, enforcement appears to be lacking in certain areas.
Which areas in Cuba are most affected by child labor?
According to Lieutenant Colonel Marilín Cuellar Valdivia, child labor is more common in the popular councils of Caonao, Tulipán, and Junco Sur in Cienfuegos.