The International Labor Organization established World Day Against Child Labor, which is marked annually on June 12th. This holiday, instituted by the United Nations, brings attention to the plight of child laborers around the world and the need for a concerted effort to end all forms of child labor.Since 2002, the I.L.O. has urged the world community to take immediate and effective actions to abolish and prohibit the use of child labor in any form. For the I.L.O. to meet its goal of eliminating child labor by 2025, much work has to be done.
History of World Day Against Child Labour
This organization was established in 1919 as part of the Versailles Treaty, which ended World War I. It was based on the principle that lasting peace could only be achieved through social justice. As a result, in 2002, World Day Against Child Labor was established to provide governments, civil society organizations, and individuals with a platform from which to address the issue of child labor in a comprehensive and coordinated manner and to identify and evaluate potential solutions.The International Labor Organization defines child labor as “work that deprives children of their childhood, their potential, and their dignity, and that is injurious to physical and mental development.” This definition was meant to be used as a way to objectively identify and separate activities that help a child grow into a healthy person from activities that are, in fact, child labor.Child labor, in its most extreme forms, enslaves children, separates them from their families, exposes them to serious risks and illnesses, and/or leaves them to fend for themselves on the streets of large cities — frequently at a young age.The I.L.O. established a set of benchmarks in 1999 to speed up its efforts to eliminate child labor and human trafficking of any kind. It was intended that these benchmarks serve as guidelines when it came to the hiring or use of children as labor in any capacity. They included a minimum age for employment, which was not supposed to be less than the age of compulsory schooling.Sustainable Development Goals, a set of global development objectives established by the I.L.O. in 2015, provided additional momentum to its work. One of the objectives included in the plan was to eliminate all forms of child labor by the year 2025.
World Day Against Child Labour timeline
A new organization is founded to tackle social justice issues.
Labor standards and the minimum employment age are set by the I.L.O.
The I.L.O. declares June 12 as World Day Against Child Labor.
World leaders activate measures to end child labor in the nearest future.
World Day Against Child Labour FAQs
Which continent has the most child labor?
About 72.1 million African children are approximated to be working as child laborers, with 31.5 million of them working in hazardous conditions.
What is the history of child labor?
Throughout the first part of the 19th Century, child labor was largely used in the agricultural and handicraft industries in the United States. Children were employed on family farms and as indentured laborers. Typically, boys began their apprenticeships between the ages of 10 and 14.
When was child labor banned in the U.S.?
Fair Labor Standards Act provisions, commonly known as Child Labor Regulations, were adopted in 1938 so that young people who work can do so in a safe environment without risking their health, well-being, or future possibilities of further education.
How to Observe World Day Against Child Labour
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Support a kid
Because they lack the ability to make their own decisions, children enjoy being pampered and cared for. The World Day Against Child Labor is an excellent opportunity to make a child feel special in any way.
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Spread awareness
The International Labour Organization's efforts to abolish child labor can be greatly aided by raising public awareness of the pressing need to do so. The education of adults who appear to be unaware of the dangers of child labor is also an important step in winning this battle.
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Donate resources
Even though it may be impossible to physically intervene, you can help to provide safety and stability for vulnerable children by donating money to local authorities or civic groups. The fight against child labor can be aided in many ways, from the provision of medical treatment and legal assistance to the search for missing children.
5 Impressive Facts About The I.L.O.
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It has over 100 countries as members
The I.L.O. currently has 187 member countries.
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They’ve received the Nobel Peace Prize
The International Labor Organization was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1969 for its efforts to ensure peace and fairness among developing-country working masses.
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Conducts a yearly assessment of its strategies
Every year in June, the International Labor Organization hosts the International Labor Conference, in Geneva, where nations and international organizations present treaties and suggestions and draft guidelines.
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It frequently hosts children's conventions
The group has organized a number of conferences where children from tribal and indigenous families have been supported and educated about the many forms of child labor.
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The organization is present on every continent
The I.L.O. is currently fully operational in 88 countries, with an annual budget of $74 million.
Why World Day Against Child Labour is Important
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It’s helping to reduce child labor worldwide
Children's labor has been reduced significantly since the fight against child labor was launched. As a result of the global economic downturn, the I.L.O. and civil society organizations are working to meet their goal of eliminating child labor by 2025 despite the pandemic’s adverse effect on its efforts.
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It's giving more kids a shot at a bright future
The I.L.O.'s efforts to raise awareness about the dangers of child labor have improved the lives of many children around the world. In order to assist children in need all over the world, numerous initiatives such as scholarship and childcare programs have been established.
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It helps create a platform for dealing with child trauma
Global support for the World Day Against Child Labor has enabled more children who have been exploited to receive aid. Those who are dealing with the effects of these violent and traumatic circumstances can now get help to deal with habits such as alcohol addiction, truancy, and sexual abuse.
World Day Against Child Labour dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | June 12 | Monday |
| 2024 | June 12 | Wednesday |
| 2025 | June 12 | Thursday |
| 2026 | June 12 | Friday |
| 2027 | June 12 | Saturday |
