World Day Against Child Labour

The International Labour Organization established the institution to celebrate World Day Against Child Labour. This day is celebrated every year on 12 June. The United Nations observes the day to bring attention to the plight of child labour around the world, the concern is in the need for concrete efforts to end child labour entirely and in all forms. The International Labour Organization defines child labour as the “work that deprives children of their childhood, their potential, and their dignity and that is injurious to physical and mental development.” This statement was a way to objectively identify and separate activities that will help and enable child growth and become a healthy individual from such activities that are child labour.  

History

In 1999, the International Labour Organisation set the benchmarks to serve as a catalyst for the efforts that we should take to eliminate child labour in all forms and any kind of human trafficking. These benchmarks primarily served as guidelines which were used to hire or use children as labour in any capacity. It included a minimum age limit required for the employment of children which was not supposed to be less than the age of compulsory schooling. 

The International Labour Organisation has urged the world community since 2002 to take effective and immediate actions to prohibit and abolish any form of child labour. In 2015, the International Labour Organisation set sustainable development goals with the objective of global development. One of these objectives was to meet the goal of eliminating all forms of child labour by the year 2025

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Significance of World Day Against Child Labour

Child labour is also seen as a violation of human rights. This deprives children of education, quality of life and more. They are separated from their families at a young age and are exposed to extreme hardships including enslavement and abuse. With such evidence, it has become imperative that we take collective action against child labour. These steps could literally change the lives of many young children. World Day Against Child Labour is an important initiative that enables us to take measures for the same. This day plays a significant role in the following ways:

• The day strives to reduce child labour worldwide. Since the establishment of the institution, child labour has been reduced significantly. The International Labour Organisation, the United Nations and other civil society organizations are working forward to meet the sustainable set goal of 2025 to eliminate child labour in all forms. 
• It is a huge hope for children to have a bright future. The International Labour Organisation aims to raise awareness about the dangers of child labour and encourage to take efforts that could improve the lives of many children around the world. Many initiatives such as campaigns, childcare programs and scholarships have been introduced to assist children in need.
• Another integral initiative is global support programs. These programs help create a platform for dealing with child trauma which enables more and more children to receive both mental and physical aid. Such programs help children to deal with traumatic circumstances and experiences and also rehabilitate them from ill habits of alcohol addiction, sexual abuse and truancy 

Also Read: United Nations Day

How is it Observed?

We can take initiatives to meet the objective of World Day Against Child Labour. The following are some ways through which we can contribute to this global cause:

• One of the best ways you can contribute to this cause is to support a kid. There are many charities as well around the world that support the cause, and making donations to fund a child’s better health and education is an excellent opportunity to take steps to give someone a better life and make them feel special 
• Similarly, you can organize fundraising events to support this cause and use the money for charity
• Till date, many people are ignorant of this cause thus, spreading awareness about it would work significantly. Organisations like the United Nations and International Labour Organisation have been making efforts to abolish child labour greatly. Public support plays a great role in achieving success in such initiatives
• Use social media handles to enlighten more and more people about World Day Against Child Labour and encourage them to donate to a noble cause that could provide safety and stability to vulnerable children. 
• You can also organise medical treatment camps in collaboration with NGOs and charities to provide support to mentally or physically vulnerable children. 
• Seek legal assistance to search for missing children and connect them with legal charities and NGOs is another great way to observe the day

Also Read: How to Become a Child Psychologist?

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