World Day Against Child Labour is celebrated every year on 12th June to raise awareness against child labour. But opposite to it the number of incidents of child labour are increasing gradually all over the world. The COVID-19 pandemic has worsened the situation.
At this age when children should go to schools, enjoy their childhood, play different types of games and acquire knowledge, they are forced to do work, earn money for their bread and living. The progress towards ending child labour from the world has saw some prevention on the way. The number of child labour incidents fell by 94 million between 2000-2016. But according to a report by International Labour Organisation (ILO), the number of child labour incidents increased by 8.4 million worldwide to 160 million. This number shows how awful the situation is ! These innocent children have been deprived of their education and childhood . This report is a wake up call for all the governments around the world and international organisations.
The report elaborates the situation in detail, the number of children in child labour is more in the low income countries. Sub-Saharan Africa, Asia and pacific and latin american countries are most suffered nations. Almost half of child labour incidents happen in Africa (72 million), followed by Asia and the Pacific (62 million).
The agriculture sector witnesses 70% of children in child labour and service sector accounts for 20% and manufacturing sector accounts for 10% of children in child labour.
Impact of covid-19 :
The number of incidents of child labour has been increasing rapidly since 2020, when the covid-19 pandemic stalled all activities all over the world. The world has been witnessing second year of lockdown. Still many countries are put into lockdown and restrictions. Schools are closed for the second year and the kid learners are not getting primary education. lockdown has taken away the livelihood of many people. So the school drop out rate has increased. Lack of interest is seen in many students as exams are not going on. Ultimately it results in the rising number of child labour.Impact in India:
India is also a big nation in number of child labour. According to the census of India 2011, the number of children in child labour in the age group of 5-14 years is 10.1 million.Article 24 of the indian constitution prohibits employment of children below the age of 14 years in any factory or mine or in any other jobs. It is also a fundamental duty of all parents to educate their children. The practice of child labour is seen basically in rural areas, though urban areas are not spared. The people from weaker section push their kids to do work instead of educating them. The industrialists illegally employ them because they work at a very low salary.
This year World Day Against Child Labour is being celebrated with the theme of #EndChildLabour2021. 2021 is also being observed as 'The International Year for Elimination of Child Labour'. So all the countries and organisations should work together to end the curse of child labour from the world. Strict and prompt actions should be taken against those parents who force their children to work. Government should take responsibility for those students whose families are unable to educate their children.
Awareness program must be organised in rural areas so that the parents can realise the importance of education in life. Without education children can't learn the moral values of life. As they are deprived of their childhood, their mental growth is retarded. The children lose their innocence which is the most suitable character of a child. Ultimately humanity suffers the most.
So today we must take a pledge to work together to end child labour from the world.
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