Innocence is a unique privilege. Sadly, not all children are awarded this precious gift. Approximately, over 160 million children are involved in child labour, according to a 2021 report by International Labour Organization (ILO) and UNICEF.
The number of children in labour increased by 8.4 million, the spike largely contributed by the COVID-19 pandemic. The report further warned, “Globally, 9 million additional children are at risk of being pushed into child labour by the end of 2022 as a result of the pandemic. A simulation model shows this number could rise to 46 million if they don’t have access to critical social protection coverage.”
The International Labour Organization (ILO) was created on an important global date to fight this sad reality. The ILO on June 12th 2002 marked and celebrated the first World Day Against Child Labour. The day was marked to focus attention on the global extent of child labour and the action and efforts needed to eliminate it.
Child labour is defined as, “the work that is mentally, physically, socially, or morally dangerous and harmful to children. The term also emphasises the fact that any work which interferes with a child’s schooling is considered child labour,” ILO. As the world marked the day yesterday, alot more can be done. Let us join hands to fight against this injustice.
