World Day Against Child Labour was introduced in 2002 by the International Labour Organisation. The day provides an opportunity and urges the need to generate an environment for children to grow and live a dignified life and also to fight against child labour throughout the world.
Poverty and Child Labour:
Poverty is one of the main reasons for child labour because of which children are forced to left their school and opt for minimal jobs to support their parents for their livelihood. Moreover, some are forced into child labour by organised crime rackets.
The Day not only focuses on the suitable environment required for the children to grow and prosper but also provide an opportunity to gain support from governments, civil society, schools, youth, women's groups and media to participate in the campaign against child labour.
How does it affects the children?
According to the International Labour Organisation, child labour is "work that deprives children of their childhood, their potential and their dignity and that is harmful to physical and mental health". That is such type of work that deprives the children of their right to education and dignified living. ILO also says that child labour is such type of work which have physically, mentally and socially consequences on the children and damages them in some or the other way. In fact, any type of work that stops children to take school education is also child labour. It is categorised into three forms: work that deprives the children of the opportunity to attend school, work that forced a child to leave school at an early age and work that requires children to attend school but with the heavy workload.
Poverty and Child Labour:
Poverty is one of the main reasons for child labour because of which children are forced to left their school and opt for minimal jobs to support their parents for their livelihood. Moreover, some are forced into child labour by organised crime rackets.
The Day not only focuses on the suitable environment required for the children to grow and prosper but also provide an opportunity to gain support from governments, civil society, schools, youth, women's groups and media to participate in the campaign against child labour.
How does it affects the children?
According to the International Labour Organisation, child labour is "work that deprives children of their childhood, their potential and their dignity and that is harmful to physical and mental health". That is such type of work that deprives the children of their right to education and dignified living. ILO also says that child labour is such type of work which have physically, mentally and socially consequences on the children and damages them in some or the other way. In fact, any type of work that stops children to take school education is also child labour. It is categorised into three forms: work that deprives the children of the opportunity to attend school, work that forced a child to leave school at an early age and work that requires children to attend school but with the heavy workload.
Below are some of the root causes which make children particularly vulnerable to child labour.
- Poverty
- Lack of access to quality education
- Poor access to decent work
- Limited understanding of child labour
- Natural disasters & climate change
- Conflicts & mass migration
It was reported by UNICEF and International Labour Organization (ILO) this year that the number of children in child labour has risen to 160 million across the world. Despite the measures taken by various national and international organizations the number is steadily increasing. If we delay taking concrete measures it will be too late to create a future world that is educated and civilized. We cannot imagine a world where our children could live in peace and harmony. They too will have to face everyday problesm such as corruption, thefts and murders.
Only an educated mindset and a civilized society can provide a peaceful living environment! Let's say no to Child Labour.
They need you:
Irrespective of their gender, children are vulnerable. This World Day against Child Labour, let us pledge to protect all children . The next time we come across a child begging at the traffic light or playing under a bridge, let us take shy away from taking action. The least we could do is atleast call an NGO or dial 1098.
For more information on how Potter's Hand is making a difference in the children's lives, click the below link and send "Against Child Labour" message bit.ly/childlabour22
Alternatively call or whatsapp on 861 0011 675.
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Image courtesy: Hayat News website
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