Children are considered as the future of a country. The first responsibility of a civilized society is to safeguard our children from any complications, hurt, and abuse. Every child has the right to a dignified existence. Thus, forcing a child to labor in a dangerous environment has an impact on their mental and physical well-being and is the worst kind of maltreatment. Children lose their innocence and manners as a result of it. It drains a child of a pleasant childhood and deprives them of necessities like food, health, and education. Child labor is still an unremedied disease.
HISTORY
The International Labour Organization (ILO) first established the day in 2002, which is when the World Day Against Child Labour officially began. The day has been celebrated every year since then all around the world. Here is a presentation of the complete background and history of the World Day Against Child Labor.
Child labor has always been an issue in terms of depriving children of their childhood and their innocence. In an effort to increase public awareness of the problem, the International Labour Organization (ILO) designated June 12 as the World Day Against Child Labor in 2002.
- As a mark of respect for the importance of this day, the United Nations declared 2021 the International Year for the Elimination of Child Labor. World Day Against Child Labor is now annually observed in a number of countries.
The theme for the 2023 World Day Against Child Labor is “Week of Action against Child Labor.” The ILO aims to start a week-long campaign this year to spread awareness of the injustice of child labor and inspire people to take action against it. Every year, the ILO announces the theme for the World Day Against Child Labor.
The children are compelled to work in restaurants, shops, and industries in order to support their impoverished families and other unfavorable situations. Despite numerous anti-labor regulations and programs for the welfare of children, we still observe a large number of minors being used as cheap labor on the ground, preventing them from going to school. 80 percent of child laborers quit going to school completely once they start working.
One in ten children globally is a victim of child labor, according to the United Nations, which estimates that 160 million adolescents are currently working as children. According to data from the International Labour Organization report titled “Child Employment in South Asia,” India has the greatest rate of child labor among those aged 5 to 17, followed by Bangladesh, Pakistan, and Nepal. According to the demographic report from 2011, there are 10.1 million child laborers in India, 5.6 million of whom are males and 4.5 million of whom are girls. The statistics by themselves tell volumes about how serious the problem is on a national and international level.
Target 8.7 of the Sustainable Development Goals called for the end of child labor by 2025, although this objective seems impossible to meet as long as the practice continues.
The 12th of June is observed as the annual World Day Against Child Labor to increase advocacy and awareness about ending child labor. The International Labour Organization established the day in 2002 to pressure governments around the world to take rapid, strong steps to ban and prevent child labor in all its forms. The topic for the day’s celebration this year is “Social Justice for all.” Put an end to child labor. However, the primary objective of these themes and events shouldn’t be limited to just speeches and lectures given in public, as this would lead people to overlook the day’s main objective.
But to eliminate the underlying roots of the problem, strong follow-ups must be launched together with actual efforts and the implementation of the laws and child protection programs. The government’s involvement with civil society organizations, the proper implementation of child safeguarding programs, raising public awareness, and raising law enforcement agencies could be the initial steps towards containing this extremely pervasive social ill. It’s imperative that we work together to safeguard our kids from exploitation and foster an environment that will allow them to be properly cared for and protected.
WORLD DAY AGAINST CHILD LABOR: ITS IMPORTANCE
The World Day Against Child Labor provides an opportunity to raise awareness of the important issue of child labor.
Child labor deprives children of a “normal” childhood. They are forced to work under dangerous and exploitative conditions. Supporting and commemorating festivals such as the World Day Against Child Labor is crucial in promoting the message of the elimination of child labor.
If u find any mistake, be struck dumb by the fact that it was a human endeavour
Muzamil Arif Batt is a contributor of The Chenab Times.
More about Author:
Muzamil Arif is a talented young writer hailing from the District Doda of the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir. At just 22 years old, he has already made a mark in the world of literature and activism. Muzamil completed his 10th and 12th grades from the prestigious GOVT HIGHER SECONDARY SCHOOL INHARRAH Bhalessa and went on to pursue a BSc degree from Govt. Degree College, Baderwah.
Passionate about various social and environmental issues, Muzamil dedicates his writing to shed light on topics such as environmental concerns, health issues, women empowerment, society, and child labor. During the challenging times of the Covid-19 pandemic, he emerged as a prolific writer, producing valuable articles on subjects like organic brain syndrome, causes and prevention of dark circles, stress and human health, foods that boost the immune system, and human louse transmitted infectious diseases.
Muzamil’s dedication and commitment to addressing societal problems extend beyond writing. He actively participates in essay competitions, slogans, paintings, and quiz contests at the district, national, and even international levels. With his passion for both literature and social change, Muzamil Arif is a rising star whose words and actions inspire others to make a difference in the world.