World Day Against Child Labour

World Day Against Child Labour is an annual international event observed on June 12th, aimed at raising awareness and promoting action to eliminate the exploitation of children in the workforce.

World Day Against Child Labour was established by the International Labour Organization (ILO) in 2002.

The purpose of World Day Against Child Labour is to draw global attention to the plight of millions of children worldwide who are engaged in various forms of child labour, and to promote action to protect children’s rights and eliminate child labour.

World Day Against Child Labour aims to address various forms of child labour, ranging from hazardous work in industries to domestic servitude and trafficking.

The key stakeholders involved in World Day Against Child Labour include governments, employers, civil society, and individuals who are called upon to take concrete steps to protect children’s rights and eliminate child labour.

June 12th was chosen as the date for World Day Against Child Labour because it coincides with the adoption of the ILO’s Worst Forms of Child Labour Convention in 1999, which aimed to eliminate the most hazardous and exploitative forms of child labour.

The “worst forms of child labour” include slavery, trafficking, debt bondage, and other forms of forced labor, as well as the use of children in armed conflict, prostitution, pornography, and other illicit activities.

World Day Against Child Labour aligns with and contributes to the achievement of several UN Sustainable Development Goals, particularly Goal 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) and Goal 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions), which both include targets related to the elimination of child labour.

Since the establishment of World Day Against Child Labour in 2002, there has been some progress made in reducing the number of children engaged in child labour globally, though the pace of progress has been slow. Continued advocacy and targeted efforts are still needed to achieve the goal of eliminating all forms of child labour.

Individuals and local communities can get involved in observing World Day Against Child Labour by participating in awareness-raising events, supporting organizations working to combat child labour, and advocating for stronger policies and enforcement to protect children’s rights.

Key factors that contribute to the persistence of child labour include poverty, lack of access to quality education, weak enforcement of labour laws, social norms and cultural practices that normalize child labour, and inadequate social protection systems.

Child labour, especially in its worst forms, can have severe and long-lasting impacts on children’s physical, mental, and emotional health. It can expose them to dangerous working conditions, hazardous substances, physical and sexual abuse, and prevent them from accessing education and other essential services.

Technology can play a role in combating child labour through tools for monitoring supply chains, digital identification systems, and the use of mobile apps and platforms to connect children with education and social services. Innovative approaches can also include the development of alternative livelihoods and income-generating activities for families.

Multinational companies and global supply chains have a responsibility to ensure their operations and supply chains are free from child labour. This includes implementing robust due diligence processes, collaborating with suppliers, and supporting community-based initiatives to address the root causes of child labour.