<![CDATA[Protecting children from economic exploitation is the responsibility of the local government, forming part of the fulfillment of children's rights and the implementation of the Child-Friendly City policy. This study aims to analyze the role of the Parepare City Government in protecting children involved in labor and to identify obstacles in this implementation. The study employs a normative-empirical legal method with a qualitative approach. Data were gathered through a review of relevant laws and regulations, as well as interviews with the Office of Women's Empowerment and Child Protection, the Social Affairs Office, the Manpower Office, the Public Order Agency (Satpol PP), and labor inspectors from South Sulawesi Province. The findings indicate that the Parepare City Government has undertaken protective measures including public awareness campaigns, family guidance, cross-sector coordination, and the implementation of Parepare City Regional Regulation Number 2 of 2022 concerning Child-Friendly Cities. However, implementation remains suboptimal, as children are still found engaging in economic activities in public spaces. Obstacles include limited authority regarding labor inspection, a lack of integrated data on child laborers, insufficient budgets and rehabilitation facilities, low public awareness, and the presence of children from outside the Parepare area. Strengthening coordination, refining policies, and enhancing sustainable child prevention and protection programs are essential.]]>
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