Let's End Child Labour for a Brighter Tomorrow!

Hey there!??

I hope you're doing well today!??

I wanted to take a moment to talk about today, the 12th of June, an important day—The World Day Against Child Labour, also known as "Anti-child Labour Day." This day, initiated by the International Labour Organization (ILO) in 2002, aims to raise awareness and mobilize action against child labour. It's an opportunity for the world to come together and support the fight against this harmful practice preaching this year’s theme – “Social Justice for All. End Child Labour.”??

Did you know that the latest global estimates indicate a disturbing increase in child labour? There are now 160 million children worldwide who are affected by this issue, which is an increase of 8.4 million children in the past four years alone. It breaks my heart to think about the countless small kids we see selling flowers, toys, or balloons at traffic signals, working hard to earn money just so they can have something to eat. Instead of going to school and enjoying their childhood, they are forced into labour. It's a reality that should make us all pause and reflect.

Shockingly, in the world's poorest countries, more than 20% of children, or roughly one in five, are engaged in child labour. The COVID-19 pandemic has further worsened the situation, putting an additional 9 million children at risk, as highlighted by the International Labour Organization (ILO) and UNICEF.

Children engaged in child labour face significant risks to their physical and mental well-being. It's surprising to know that around 4.3 million children are trapped in forced labour, which includes situations of debt bondage, slavery, and commercial sexual exploitation. Among the worst forms of child labour, hazardous work is the most prevalent, affecting a staggering 79 million children aged 5 to 17. These children toil in dangerous conditions across various sectors, jeopardising their safety and health.

Now that we understand the gravity of the situation, it's crucial to take action to stop child labour. There are several ways we can make a difference:

• Support organizations that work to prevent and respond to child labour, such as UNICEF. By contributing to these organizations, we can help them in their efforts to protect children from exploitation.
• Educate yourself and others about the root causes of child labour and the negative impact it has on children's lives. Let's raise awareness about this issue and inspire others to join the cause. Together, we can create a more compassionate society.
• Parents, it's important to be more aware and conscious. Let's take a stand against child labour by stopping our house helpers from sending their kids to do household chores. Encourage them to prioritize their children's education and well-being.

• Support businesses that have established management procedures for introducing child labour due diligence in their operations. By choosing to support ethically conscious businesses, we send a message that we prioritize the well-being of children.
• Advocate for policies and programs that address the root causes of child labour. Poverty, social norms, lack of decent work opportunities, migration, and emergencies contribute to the prevalence of child labour. By advocating for change, we can address these issues and create a safer environment for children.
• If you come across instances of child labour, report them to the appropriate authorities. By taking action and reporting these cases, we can help rescue children from exploitative situations.

Remember, there are helpline numbers and websites available if you need immediate assistance or want to report cases of child labour:

- CHILDLINE India Foundation: Call 1098

- Bachpan Bachao Andolan (BBA): Call 1800-102-7222 or email [email protected]

On this Anti-child Labour Day, let's come together and take a stand against child labour. Our collective efforts can make a significant impact in protecting children's rights and providing them with a brighter future.

For more information and resources, you can visit the websites of organizations like UNICEF and the International Labour Organization (ILO).

Wishing you a meaningful Anti-child Labour Day!

Warm regards,

Bonani Gupta

Counselling Psychologist

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