Sus1501
Sus1501
Assignment 3 , 2024 S2
, Re: Assessment 3 - 602922
by KAMOGELO MMAKGWALE MARY MODISELLE - Friday, 23 February 2024, 5:56
PM
Step:1 Which is the most likely utilitarian option in this multiple-choice question?
Option E, it breaks my heart to see children exploited, This morally wrong and must not be
allowed.
Child labour in mines, especially those characterized by risky working conditions and less
wages, is a deeply concerning and distressing issue. In many regions, including some cobalt
mines in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), children are subjected to hazardous
environments and demanding tasks beyond their physical and emotional capacities. These
young laborers often work in poorly ventilated and unstable tunnels, exposing themselves to
the risk of accidents, injuries, and long-term health problems.
Adding to the severity of the situation, the compensation for their labour is often shockingly
low, sometimes amounting to less than $2 per day. This meagre income not only continues
cycles of poverty but also robs these children of their right to a decent education, healthcare,
and a future free from exploitation.
The confluence of dangerous working conditions and paltry pay paints a bleak picture for
these young workers. Their well-being and growth are compromised, further highlighting the
urgency of addressing child labour in mines and advocating for safer environments and fair
compensation for these vulnerable individuals.
2. Why do you say this?
Child labour is prevalent in small-scale mining operations in the Democratic Republic of
Congo (DRC), affecting people of various age groups, including children, who are forced to
work in extremely difficult conditions.
Out of the 255,000 individuals engaged in cobalt mining in the DRC, a significant portion,
40,000, are children, some as young as six years old. The mining work is largely informal and
small-scale, involving rudimentary tools like hands.
The demand for Congolese mineral resources, particularly cobalt, is increasing on a global
scale. This heightened demand brings attention to the challenges and dangers faced by
Congolese miners.
Due to the presence of child labour, dangerous working conditions, and the rising global
demand for Congolese mineral resources, there is a pressing concern for the human rights of
these miners. The conclusion emphasizes the need for increased awareness about the
exploitation of child labour and the harsh conditions within small-scale mining.
3. What do you feel about this option?
Child labour in mines under dangerous and exploitative conditions is widely regarded as a
grave violation of human rights and a deeply concerning issue. It raises significant ethical
concerns as it deprives children of their right to a safe and nurturing environment, education,
and the opportunity to develop physically and mental. Child labour limits the potential for
these children to break free from economic hardships in the future. It also denies them the
chance to experience a normal childhood and develop essential life skills.