Islamabad (Web Desk): World Day Against Child Labour is being observed across the globe including Pakistan today.
The theme of this year is 'Let’s act on our commitments: End Child Labour!'
According to the United Nations (UN), for nearly two decades since 2000, the world made steady progress in reducing child labour. However, conflicts, crises, and the COVID-19 pandemic have recently forced more families into poverty, pushing millions more children into child labour. Economic growth has not been inclusive enough to relieve the pressures families face, leading them to resort to child labour.
“Today, 160 million children are still engaged in child labour, representing almost one in ten children worldwide,” as per the data shared on the UN website.
The International Labour Organization (ILO) established the World Day Against Child Labour on June 12, 2002, at its headquarters in Geneva. This initiative aimed to draw constant attention to the issue of child labour and revise strategies to eliminate it. Since its inception, this day has brought together various stakeholders to address and combat child labour.
The United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) recognized the severity of child labour and declared 2021 as the International Year for the Elimination of Child Labour, urging the ILO to lead its implementation.
Over the years, this observance has been pivotal in mobilizing efforts to end child labour globally.
