Child labour exists across the world and youngsters , mostly from poor families, are forced to figure in hazardous conditions which results in unending physical, mental and social exploitation and affected by the employers.
World Day Against Child Labour, which aims to spread awareness about the illegal employment practice and also mention the ways to eradicate it completely, are going to be observed on Saturday by people across the world . it had been launched by the International Labour Organization (ILO), workplace of the United Nations , in 2002. This year’s theme is ‘Act now: End child labour’.
Child labour exists across the world and youngsters , mostly from poor families, are forced to figure in hazardous conditions which results in unending physical, mental and social exploitation and affected by the employers. Children are bereft of living their childhood to their fullest and also miss the chance of attending schools.
According to the newest report by the ILO and Unicef, child labour has soared to 160 million worldwide, the primary increase in 20 years.
There also has been a big rise within the number of youngsters between 5-11 years in child labour, who account for over half the worldwide figure. “The number of youngsters in child labour has risen to 160 million worldwide -- a rise of 8.4 million children within the last four years -- with millions more in danger thanks to the impacts of Covid-19,” the report added.
Developing countries like India contribute maximum towards child labour. consistent with the census of 2011, 259.64 million children belonged to the age bracket of 5-14 years of which 10.1 million were child labourers. Be it manufacturing of firecrackers in Tamil Nadu’s Sivakasi, the country’s bangle making industry, roadside eateries and restaurants, construction sites or maybe the house help, children from unfortunate sections have always been the soft target.
Unicef India representative Dr Yasmin Ali Haque told press agency PTI on Thursday the coronavirus disease (Covid-19) pandemic has aggravated the danger of kid labour within the country as more families are pushed to poverty. “Children in poor and disadvantaged households in India are now at a greater risk of negative coping mechanisms like throwing in the towel of faculty and being forced into labour, marriage, and even falling victim to trafficking,” Haque added.
In recent years, reports have emerged that several consumer brands of worldwide prominence including Forever 21, Cadbury, H&M, GAP etc- were caught employing children in their manufacturing units to save lots of abreast of additional costs. Many activists and non-governmental organisations (NGO) have raised their voices against this and have also urged people to not buy products from such brands.
