República Democrática do Congo

: a problemática do trabalho infantil nas minas de cobalto e os obstáculos à sua superação

Abstract

This dissertation addresses the issue of child exploitation in cobalt mines in theDemocratic Republic of Congo (DRC). After providing a geodemographic, economic, and political framework of the DRC, as well as its history of successive armed conflicts – highlighting the phenomenon of child soldiers in militia contingents –, the country is presented as a fragile state, full of ethnic conflicts and widespread corruption.Next, it analyzes the problem of child labour in cobalt mines – the central theme of the dissertation – and its causes and effects, with special emphasis on the activity of multinationals in the cutting-edge technology sector, as users of batteries with cobalt incorporation in their supply chain. Finally, the necessary premises are set out on how to attempt to put an end to the scourge of child labour, emphasizing the need to build a democratic state of law, and the activities of regional and sub-regional African organizations alongside international organizations. The goal of this thesis is to explain why the territory of the DRC is conducive to abuse against children, as well as the factors that can help with the difficult task of putting a stop to the exploitation of minors, whose human rights are vilified, therefore trying to understand the prospects for a more promising future.

Date of Award	7 Oct 2022
Original language	Portuguese
Awarding Institution	Universidade Católica Portuguesa
Supervisor	Francisco Proença Garcia (Supervisor)