Observed every year on June 12, the World Day Against Child Labour aims to raise awareness and promote efforts to end child labour worldwide. This day highlights the struggles of millions of children forced into labour, often in dangerous conditions, robbing them of their childhood, education, and basic rights.

The International Labour Organisation (ILO) launched this day in 2002 to help eliminate child labour. The ILO, founded in 1919, has always fought for workers’ rights. This day was created to tackle the serious problem of child labour, which violates human rights and hinders sustainable development.

Child labour, as defined by the ILO, involves work that takes away children’s childhood, potential, and dignity, and harms their physical and mental growth. Often, these children work long hours in unsafe environments, preventing them from attending school. According to the ILO, about 160 million children worldwide are involved in child labour, with 79 million of them in hazardous work.

Importance of World Day Against Child Labour

This day serves several important purposes. It highlights the widespread issue of child labour, urging governments, civil society, and international organisations to take action. It also provides a platform to discuss strategies, share successful methods, and form partnerships to combat child labour.

The day calls for stronger laws and better enforcement to protect children. It emphasizes the need for better access to quality education and social services, which are crucial to preventing and eliminating child labour. Additionally, it addresses root causes like poverty, social inequality, and lack of jobs for adults.

Global Efforts and Achievements

There have been significant efforts to fight child labour. Many countries have adopted international conventions like the ILO’s Minimum Age Convention (No. 138) and the Worst Forms of Child Labour Convention (No. 182), which set standards for the minimum age of employment and ban the worst forms of child labour.

Efforts by NGOs, governments, and international organisations have led to a notable reduction in child labour in some regions. Between 2000 and 2016, child labour decreased by 38% globally. However, the COVID-19 pandemic has created new challenges, potentially reversing these gains and increasing children’s risk of exploitation.

Theme for World Day Against Child Labour 2024

The theme for 2024 is “Let’s act on our commitments: End Child Labour!” This year focuses on celebrating the 25th anniversary of the Worst Forms of Child Labour Convention (1999, No. 182), according to the United Nations.

Re-reported from the article originally published in MONEYCONTROL.