Every year on June 12, we celebrate World Day Against Child Labour. This day is an opportunity to raise awareness about the global problem of child labour and to take action to end it.

Child labour is a serious problem that affects millions of children around the world. According to the International Labour Organization (ILO), there are an estimated 218 million children between the ages of 5 and 17 who are involved in child labour. Of these, 152 million are engaged in hazardous work that can harm their health, safety, and development.

Child labour is a violation of children's rights. It robs children of their childhood, their education, and their health. It also exposes them to exploitation and abuse.

There are many reasons why children are forced to work. Some children work to help support their families, while others are forced to work by their parents or employers. Some children are trafficked into forced labor, while others are abducted or sold into slavery.

There are many things that can be done to end child labour. Governments can pass laws to protect children from exploitation and to ensure that they have access to education. Businesses can adopt responsible sourcing practices and ensure that their supply chains are free of child labour. Individuals can support organizations that are working to end child labour.

On World Day Against Child Labour, let us all take a stand against this terrible problem. Let us work together to create a world where all children can enjoy their childhood, get an education, and reach their full potential.

The History of Child Labour

Child labour has been a problem for centuries. In the early days of human history, children were often expected to work alongside their parents in order to help support the family. As societies became more complex, child labour became more specialized. Children were often forced to work in dangerous and unhealthy conditions, and they were often paid very little.

In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, there was a growing movement to end child labour. This movement was led by a number of different groups, including trade unions, religious organizations, and social reformers. As a result of this movement, many countries passed laws to restrict child labour.

In recent decades, there has been further progress in the fight against child labour. The ILO has played a leading role in this effort, and it has developed a number of international conventions that aim to protect children from exploitation. These conventions have been ratified by most countries in the world.

The Impact of Child Labour

Child labour has a number of negative impacts on children. It robs them of their childhood, their education, and their health. It also exposes them to exploitation and abuse.

Children who work are often denied the opportunity to go to school. This can have a lifelong impact on their ability to get a good job and earn a decent living. Child labour can also have a negative impact on children's health. Children who work in dangerous and unhealthy conditions are at risk of developing a number of health problems, including respiratory problems, injuries, and poisoning.

Child labour can also lead to exploitation and abuse. Children who are forced to work are often at the mercy of their employers. They may be subjected to physical and verbal abuse, and they may be paid very little.

What Can Be Done to End Child Labour?

There are a number of things that can be done to end child labour. Governments can pass laws to protect children from exploitation and to ensure that they have access to education. Businesses can adopt responsible sourcing practices and ensure that their supply chains are free of child labour. Individuals can support organizations that are working to end child labour.

How You Can Help

There are a number of things that you can do to help end child labour. Here are a few ideas :

• Educate yourself about the issue of child labour.

• Talk to your friends and family about child labour and why it is important to end it.

• Support organizations that are working to end child labour.

• Contact your elected representatives and ask them to support policies that will help to end child labour.

• Boycott products that are made with child labour.

• Volunteer your time to help organizations that are working to end child labour.

Every little bit helps. By working together, we can make a difference and create a world where all children can have a bright future.