As Of Today, 160 Million Children Are Still Engaged In Child Labour

World Against Child Labour Day, celebrated on 12th June 2024, calls on everyone to unite in the fight against child labour and enhance their implementation of two UN conventions.

The Worst Forms of Child Labour Convention, adopted in 1999, has been a pivotal instrument in combating the most egregious forms of child labour. Its counterpart, the Minimum Age Convention, adopted in 1973, sets the foundation for the minimum employment age, aiming to protect children from economic exploitation. While significant progress has been made, recent setbacks, exacerbated by global crises like the COVID-19 pandemic, have highlighted the need for renewed efforts.

Globally, 160 million children are still engaged in child labour. This alarming figure means almost one in 10 children worldwide are affected. According to recent statistics:

While the highest percentages of child labour are found in low-income countries, the absolute numbers are greater in middle-income countries, where 84 million children are involved in child labour.

In line with Sustainable Development Goal Target 8.7, the global community has committed to eliminating all forms of child labour by 2025.

This World Day Against Child Labour, they have urged countries to push:

• Effective Implementation of Conventions: enforcement of International Labour Organisation (ILO) Conventions No. 182 and No. 138.
• National Policies: Adoption of national policies to address the root causes of child labour, as outlined in the 2022 Durban Call to Action.
• International Collaboration: Enhanced regional and international cooperation to end child labour in all its forms.

The International Labour Organisation (ILO) is a specialised agency of the United Nations and its initiative Supporting Children’s Rights through Education, the Arts and the Media (SCREAM) Programme plays a crucial role in combating child labour through creative and educational initiatives. Students from British Culture College, for example, have composed and recorded a song to raise awareness about this critical issue.

The elimination of child labour requires urgent and sustained action from all sectors of society. As we commemorate this year’s World Day Against Child Labour, let us renew our commitment and take concrete steps to protect children’s rights and end child labour once and for all.

Share this post if you think more awareness needs to be raised on this tragic day of remembrance.