Addressing the urgent need to eliminate child labour and protect children’s rights worldwide

Every year on June 12, we observe World Day Against Child Labour, which aims to raise awareness and advocate for change in the fight against child labour. This year’s theme is “Action Against Child Labor.” Child labour remains a pressing issue globally, with approximately 160 million children still engaged in various forms of work. Africa has the highest percentage of children in child labour, while Asia and the Pacific follow closely. Together, these regions account for nearly nine out of every ten children involved in child labour worldwide.
The World Day Against Child Labour emphasizes the importance of implementing international conventions, such as ILO Convention No. 182 on the Worst Forms of Child Labour and Convention No. 138 concerning the Minimum Age for Admission to Employment or Work. These efforts are crucial in achieving the commitment to eliminate child labour in all its forms by 2025. Let’s work together to create a future free from child labour.
Child labour remains a pressing global issue, with millions of children trapped in work that deprives them of their childhood, education, and health. The World Day Against Child Labour, observed on June 12 each year, serves as a reminder of the urgent need to eliminate child labour in all its forms. This day, under the theme “Action Against Child Labor,” calls for immediate and sustained efforts to protect children and ensure their rights to education and a safe, healthy childhood. According to the International Labour Organization (ILO), approximately 160 million children worldwide are engaged in child labour, with 73 million of these children working in hazardous conditions. Child labour is prevalent in agriculture, mining, manufacturing, and services, often in informal settings. The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated this issue, pushing more children into the workforce due to economic hardships faced by their families.
The fight against child labour has a long history, dating back to the early industrial revolution when children were employed in factories, mines, and other dangerous workplaces. Significant progress has been made since then, particularly with the establishment of international conventions and national laws aimed at protecting children. The ILO’s Minimum Age Convention (C138) and the Worst Forms of Child Labour Convention (C182) are pivotal instruments in this regard. Despite these efforts, progress has been uneven, and child labour persists, especially in regions with high poverty rates, weak enforcement of labour laws, and limited access to education. The ongoing challenge is to translate legal frameworks into effective action on the ground.
Child labour has profound adverse effects on the physical, mental, and emotional well-being of children. Those engaged in laborious and often dangerous work are at risk of injuries, illnesses, and even death. The educational impact is equally devastating, as child labourers are either unable to attend school or forced to balance work and education, resulting in poor academic performance and high dropout rates. Moreover, child labour perpetuates cycles of poverty and inequality. Children who miss out on education are more likely to remain in low-paying, unskilled jobs as adults, thus continuing the cycle of poverty. This not only affects individual lives but also hampers economic development and social progress at a broader level.
The theme “Action Against Child Labor” emphasizes the need for concrete steps and collaborative efforts to eradicate child labour. This involves a multi-faceted approach that includes strengthening legal frameworks, enhancing enforcement mechanisms, improving access to quality education, and addressing the root causes of child labour such as poverty and social inequality.
Governments play a crucial role in the fight against child labour. Strengthening legal frameworks to align with international standards is essential. This includes setting a minimum age for employment, ensuring that hazardous work is strictly prohibited for children, and imposing severe penalties for violations. However, robust laws are ineffective without proper enforcement. This requires well-trained labour inspectors, adequate resources for monitoring and enforcement, and the political will to prioritize the elimination of child labour. Corruption and lack of accountability are significant barriers that must be addressed to ensure effective implementation. Education is a powerful tool in combating child labour. Ensuring that all children have access to free, quality education is fundamental. This includes providing necessary resources such as trained teachers, school infrastructure, and learning materials. Additionally, programs that support children from economically disadvantaged families, such as school feeding programs, scholarships, and conditional cash transfers, can help keep children in school and out of the workforce. Non-formal education and vocational training programs are also essential for older children who have missed out on formal schooling. These programs can provide them with skills and opportunities for decent work, breaking the cycle of poverty.
Child labour is often a symptom of broader socio-economic issues such as poverty and inequality. Comprehensive social protection measures, including income support, healthcare, and social services, are crucial in addressing these root causes. Economic policies that promote inclusive growth and job creation for adults can reduce the reliance on child labour for family survival. Community-based approaches, involving local leaders, parents, and children themselves, are vital in changing attitudes towards child labour and promoting the value of education. Empowering communities to participate in decision-making processes and to hold authorities accountable can lead to more sustainable and culturally appropriate solutions.
Businesses and multinational corporations have a significant role to play in eradicating child labour, particularly in their supply chains. Companies must adopt and enforce strict child labour policies, conduct regular audits, and ensure transparency in their operations. Corporate social responsibility initiatives can support education and community development programs, contributing to the broader efforts against child labour.
Child labour is a global issue that requires coordinated international action. Governments, international organizations, civil society, and the private sector must work together to share best practices, provide technical assistance, and mobilize resources. Global campaigns and advocacy efforts can raise awareness and maintain momentum towards achieving the goal of eliminating child labour. While the challenge of child labour remains significant, there are success stories that provide valuable lessons and hope. Countries such as Brazil, India, and Bangladesh have implemented innovative programs that have significantly reduced child labour rates.
Brazil’s Bolsa Família program, a conditional cash transfer initiative, has been instrumental in reducing child labour by providing financial support to low-income families on the condition that their children attend school and receive regular health check-ups. This program has not only improved school attendance and performance but also reduced poverty and social inequality.
India’s Right to Education Act guarantees free and compulsory education for children aged 6 to 14 years. This legal framework, combined with efforts to improve school infrastructure, teacher training, and community awareness, has led to significant increases in school enrolment and retention rates. Additionally, initiatives like midday meal programs and scholarships for marginalized communities have addressed barriers to education.
Bangladesh, a major hub for the global garment industry, has made strides in addressing child labour within its supply chains. Collaborative efforts between the government, industry associations, and international organizations have led to improved labour inspections, certification programs, and initiatives to provide education and vocational training for former child labourers.
Civil society organizations (CSOs) play a critical role in the fight against child labour. They advocate for policy changes, monitor implementation, provide direct support to affected children and families, and raise public awareness. Grassroots organizations often have a deep understanding of local contexts and can mobilize communities to take action. CSOs have been at the forefront of global campaigns to end child labour. Organizations like the Global March Against Child Labour and the Child Labor Coalition have brought international attention to the issue and pressured governments and businesses to take action. Public awareness campaigns, leveraging media and social platforms, can change societal attitudes.
Aashaq Hussain Bhat is an Assistant Professor, at University Centre for Research and Development, Chandigarh University Mohali 140413, Punjab with a passion for promoting child health and social being. He can be reached at [email protected]

Aashaq Hussain Bhat