Legal Protection for Children as Victims of Economic Exploitation: Problems and Challenges in Three Major ASEAN Countries (Indonesia, Vietnam and Philippines)

Abstract

This research is intended to examine the legal protection for children victims of economic exploitation in three major ASEAN countries: Indonesia, Vietnam, and the Philippines. The study finds that although these countries have laws that provide legal protection for children, the implementation of these laws faces several challenges. In Indonesia, despite the existence of various regulations that protect children from economic exploitation, child labor remains a significant problem. The lack of enforcement of labor laws and a lack of awareness of children’s rights among the community contributes to the persistence of child labor. In Vietnam, the legal framework on child labor is relatively comprehensive, and the government has made significant efforts to eradicate child labor. However, child labor still persists in some rural areas due to poverty, cultural traditions, and a lack of education. In the Philippines, the government has implemented various measures to protect children from economic exploitation, including the Child Labor Law and the Anti-Child Trafficking Act. However, the implementation of these laws is hampered by a lack of resources, corruption, and limited awareness among communities. In conclusion, the study finds that the legal protection for children victims of economic exploitation in Indonesia, Vietnam, and the Philippines faces various challenges. These include the lack of enforcement, cultural traditions, poverty, corruption, and limited awareness among communities. Addressing these challenges requires concerted efforts from governments, civil society, and communities to ensure that children's rights are protected effectively.