World Day Against Child Labour History
World Day Against Child Labour raises awareness and promotes initiatives to combat child labor globally. This observance plays a crucial role in advocating for the rights of children and calling for an end to all forms of child labor, including the worst forms of exploitation such as human trafficking, forced labor, and armed conflict participation. By focusing on the importance of education and strengthening regulations to protect young workers, World Day Against Child Labour aims to foster a collective effort among governments, businesses, and civil society to promote a world where children can enjoy their right to a fulfilling and safe childhood.
Originally launched by the International Labour Organization (ILO) in 2002, World Day Against Child Labour has since gathered support from various entities. Although child labor may not seem like an issue in the United States, there are still an estimated 162,000 child laborers working on American soil, mainly in the agricultural sector. The observance serves as an opportunity for Americans to assess the situation domestically and acknowledge that child labor remains a reality even in developed countries. By understanding and addressing the root causes of child labor, such as poverty and lack of access to education, the United States can join the global fight against this pressing issue.
In America, World Day Against Child Labour is observed through educational events, social media campaigns, and fundraising initiatives for organizations working to combat child labor. These events provide a platform for engaging various stakeholders, including policymakers, businesses, and communities, in discussions about the eradication of child labor and the promotion of the rights and wellbeing of children. World Day Against Child Labour is recognized on June 12th each year, emphasizing that this is a critical issue requiring urgent attention and a commitment to concerted action.
World Day Against Child Labour facts
Boys are more likely to be engaged in hazardous work and sectors such as agriculture, while girls are more prevalent in domestic work and informal sectors.
According to the UN, there are an estimated 160 million children between the ages of 5-17 still engaged in child labor around the world.
The agriculture sector has the highest number of child laborers globally. It employs around 70% of child laborers, mainly in activities such as farming, livestock, fishing, and forestry.
According to a U.S. Census from 1880, children between the ages of 10-15 made up about 40% of the workforce.
In the U.S., it is legal for a 12-year-old children to work unlimited hours on a farm of any size, as long as they have the parent’s permission and they don’t miss school.
The region with the highest number of children in child labor is Africa with about 72 million. Asia and the Pacific rank 2nd highest with 62 million. The Americas have 11 million, Europe and Central Asia have 6 million, and the Arab States have 1 million.
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