5 Dec 2015

Lax law enforcement blamed for Samoa's child vendors

5:43 pm on 5 December 2015

A report by Samoa's Ombudsman says lax law enforcement is one of the reasons why there are many small children selling goods on the street during school hours.

The report says that despite the passing of the Compulsory Education Act, the number of child street vendors continues to grow.

In presenting the paper, attorney Loukinikini Vili says a significant emotional and mental burden is placed upon children when they have to take on financial responsibilities for their families' livelihood.

Members of the taskforce involved with the compulsory education laws, which includes the police, the education ministry and village representatives, have agreed that law enforcement is a main weakness.

However, others believe the Act is two weak, citing cases of those who have been caught and penalised returning to the practice soon after.

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