Child Labor: A Global Problem

Child labor is the exploitation of children through any form of work that deprives them of their childhood, interferes with their ability to attend regular school, or is mentally, physically, socially and morally harmful. According to the International Labour Organization (ILO), there were about 160 million children engaged in child labor at the beginning of 2020, and the COVID-19 pandemic has put another 9 million children at risk of being forced into work. Child labor is a global problem that affects every region and sector of the world, but it is more prevalent in low- and middle-income countries, especially in Africa and Asia, and in agriculture, mining, manufacturing, and domestic service.

There are many causes of child labor, such as poverty, lack of education, social norms, conflicts, disasters, and migration. Many families rely on the income or contribution of their children to survive or cope with economic shocks or crises. Some children work to pay for their own schooling or to help their siblings or relatives. Some children are trafficked or recruited by armed groups or criminal networks to perform hazardous or illicit activities. Some children are influenced by cultural or religious beliefs that justify or encourage their involvement in work. Some children have no choice but to work because they lack access to quality education or alternative opportunities.

The consequences of child labor are devastating and long-lasting. Child labor violates the rights of children to education, health, protection, and development. It exposes children to physical and psychological harm, such as injuries, illnesses, abuse, violence, and exploitation. It limits their potential and deprives them of their dignity and future prospects. It also perpetuates the cycle of poverty and inequality, as children who work are more likely to drop out of school, earn lower wages, and face unemployment or underemployment as adults. Child labor also hinders the social and economic progress of countries and regions, as it reduces human capital, productivity, and competitiveness.

The solution to child labor requires the concerted and coordinated efforts of various stakeholders, including governments, international organizations, civil society, private sector, and communities. The ILO has adopted several conventions and standards to combat child labor, such as the Minimum Age Convention, the Worst Forms of Child Labour Convention, and the Global Action Plan on the Elimination of Child Labour by 2025. The United Nations has also included the target of ending child labor in all its forms by 2025 in the Sustainable Development Goals. These frameworks provide the legal and policy basis for the global fight against child labor, but they need to be effectively implemented and enforced at the national and local levels.

Some of the key strategies and actions to prevent and eliminate child labor are:

• Providing universal and inclusive access to quality education and skills development for all children, especially girls and marginalized groups.

• Strengthening social protection systems and programs that support families and children in need, such as cash transfers, health insurance, and child care services.

• Promoting decent work and livelihood opportunities for adults and youth, especially in rural areas and informal sectors, that ensure fair wages, safe working conditions, and social security.

• Raising awareness and mobilizing public opinion and action against child labor, especially among parents, employers, consumers, and media.

• Empowering and protecting children and their representatives from exploitation and abuse, and ensuring their participation and voice in decision-making processes that affect them.

• Enhancing the capacity and coordination of law enforcement and justice institutions to detect, investigate, and prosecute cases of child labor, trafficking, and slavery.

• Strengthening the data collection, monitoring, and evaluation of child labor trends and interventions, and sharing the best practices and lessons learned.

Child labor is a complex and multifaceted phenomenon that requires a comprehensive and holistic approach. It is not only a moral and ethical issue, but also a human rights and development issue. By ending child labor, we can ensure that every child has a chance to enjoy their childhood, to learn and grow, and to contribute to a better world.

Gen Z’s and Millennials Be Aware. If you See Something, Say Something.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Child_labour
https://www.unicef.org/protection/child-labour
https://www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/child-labor
https://www.britannica.com/money/topic/child-labour

What Is Child Labour? Definition, and What to Look Out For

PREs1 and TiK4TiT Reseaerch Team