Ijoukosta

Ijoukosta is a term used in the context of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) to refer to the practice of forced labor, often involving children, in the mining sector. The term is derived from the Kikongo language, where "ijoukosta" means "to work." This practice is a form of child labor exploitation, where children are recruited, often through deception or coercion, to work in mines, often in hazardous conditions. The children are typically paid very low wages or not paid at all, and their work is essential for the extraction of minerals such as cobalt, copper, and tin, which are crucial for various industries, including electronics and batteries.

The issue of ijoukosta has gained international attention due to its human rights implications and the environmental impact of unregulated mining. Organizations and governments have been working to address this problem, implementing policies and initiatives to protect children from exploitation and promote their education and well-being. Efforts include legal reforms, community engagement, and international cooperation to combat the trafficking and exploitation of children in the mining sector.