Whenever we recall our childhood days then most of us remember those carefree and happy days of our life. We remember going to school, reading books, teacher’s surprise test, playing cricket with friends and a lot more activities that we miss dearly today. We were always fortunate because we were protected and our dreams were nurtured and cherished by our parents. But there are many children who are less fortunate. They work day and night in unfair circumstances for little or no money. In some extreme cases these children are even forced to work under threat of violence or death. These children mainly work to support their families who are usually trapped in vicious circle of poverty.
Child Labour – A Plague
Children are classified as child labourers when they are either too young to work, or are involved in hazardous activities that may compromise their physical, mental, social or educational development.
According to estimates by the International Labour Organization (2017) there are 152 million children aged between 5-17, subject to child labour. Among this 66 million are girls and 88 million are boys. Among this 72 million are engaged in dangerous work.
- Almost 1 in 10 children between the age of 5 and 17 years old have to work.
- About 4.3 million children aged below 18 years are in forced labour.
- 70.9% engaged in agriculture.
- 17.2% working in service sector.
- 11.9% working in heavy industry.
- Most child labour takes place in the informal sector.
- Nearly 70% of children does unpaid work.
Africa alone is the home to 72 million child labourers, which is higher than any other continent. Asia and the Pacific rank second highest with 62 million child labourers in this region. Together they account for almost nine out of every 10 children in child labour worldwide. The remaining child labour population is divided among the Americans – 11 million, Europe and Central Asia – 6 million and the Arab States – 1 million.
About World Day Against Child Labour –
The International Labour Organization launched the World Day Against Child Labour in 2002 to raise awareness and prevent child labour. Each year on 12 June this day brings together government, employees, workers, organizations, civil societies and many people from around the world to highlight the seriousness of the issue. Rules and regulations are made, solutions are sought on how to fight and protect the rights of these children and to provide better quality education and health facilities to child labour.
Theme of World Day Against Child Labour 2020-
The theme of World Day Against Child Labour 2020 focuses on the impact of crisis on child labour. The theme for 2020 is “Covid 19 – Protect Children from Child Labour,now more than ever!” This pandemic and the resulting economic and labour market shock are having a massive impact on people’s lives and livelihoods. Unluckily, children are going to suffer the most. The crisis is going to push millions of vulnerable children to clutches of Labour employees. These children now have to work even in worst conditions and for longer hours.
This is the time when we have to join hands together to eradicate this evil situation which feeds on our innocent children, it will continue to plague our community. This is the time to show humanity. Pledge that we will never let any children practice child labour. We will safeguard their childhood and provide them with a chance to dream big.
“Life of Little ones are destroyed, when child labour is employed.”
P. S. – For more information visit to http://www.un.org.
International Journal of Research (IJR) 