OMU Faculty of Health Sciences draws attention to child labor in hazelnut harvest

Ondokuz Mayıs University (OMU) Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Social Services organized an event to draw attention to and raise awareness about child labor in hazelnut harvest.

In the project carried out under the leadership of Prof. Dr. Ercümend Ersanlı, a faculty member of the Social Services Department, the Social Services Department organized an event in front of the OMU Medical Faculty Children’s Hospital to raise awareness of child labor in hazelnut production. The negative situations faced by child laborers were explained to citizens at the event.

Prof. Dr. Ercümend Ersanlı said in his statement, “Hazelnuts are one of the important agricultural products of our country and are in great demand worldwide. However, the existence of child labor in the production process of this valuable product both damages the image of our country and threatens the future of our children. Child labor in hazelnut farming causes negative effects on the education and physical development of school-age children by making them work in the fields. This situation is also prohibited by national and international laws and means a violation of children’s rights. As the Social Services Department, our steps for a solution are to organize trainings for hazelnut producers and their families about the negative effects of child labor. To implement incentive programs so that children can continue their education. To prevent child labor by conducting regular inspections in hazelnut fields. To provide special certificates to producers who do not engage in child labor. This will increase the market value of the products. To provide financial and technical support to producers who fight against child labor. To facilitate access to education, health and social services. It is to ensure compliance with global standards in the fight against child labor by cooperating with international organizations. We invite all segments of society to support this fight against child labor in hazelnut production. As consumers, we can contribute to this process by choosing products that do not contain child labor. The Social Service Department is taking determined steps for the future of our children and is ready to cooperate with every organization to take all necessary measures to end child labor. We expect support from every segment of society in this fight. As the Social Service Department, an event was held in front of the OMU Medical Faculty Children’s Hospital on August 2, 2024 in order to raise awareness about child labor,” he said. – SAMSUN