In Lubumbashi—at the heart of the Democratic Republic of Congo’s mining region—Free the Slaves (FTS) and Alternatives Plus co-organized an intensive two-day training on Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 8.7.
Held from September 19–20, 2025, the workshop brought together representatives from more than 18 civil society organizations, government agencies, and mining industry stakeholders—united by a shared goal: ending child and forced labor in artisanal and small-scale mining.
Building Local Capacity for Change
The training translated the vision of SDG 8.7 into actionable, local strategies. Participants examined the root causes of exploitation—from weak enforcement and limited education to economic vulnerability—and explored ways to coordinate community-led responses.
Through participatory learning, discussions, and case studies, participants worked across five key areas:
- Understanding Child and Forced Labor in Mining: Mapping affected zones and identifying key drivers of vulnerability.
- Legal and Institutional Frameworks: Reviewing national laws and international conventions, including the Labor Code, Mining Code, and ILO Conventions 138 and 182.
- Community Mobilization and Prevention: Designing awareness campaigns to prevent exploitation before it begins.
- Protection and Remediation: Strengthening survivor-centered approaches to reintegrate children into education and community life.
- Partnership Building: Fostering collaboration between government, civil society, and the private sector to promote ethical and transparent supply chains.
Throughout the sessions, emphasis was placed on practical implementation. Participants developed local action plans—defining responsibilities, timelines, and monitoring tools to ensure long-term results.
“The goal is to ensure that the knowledge gained during the training becomes groundwork for change—leading to safer communities, better livelihoods, and the protection of children from hazardous labor in mining,” said Marie Hélène Bouchard, Head of Global Engagement, Policy and Advocacy at Free the Slaves.
The Lubumbashi training also created a vital platform for dialogue between government institutions, civil society, and industry actors. The discussions reaffirmed a key lesson: achieving SDG 8.7 requires more than policy—it demands empowered local leadership capable of transforming commitments into action.
