WORLD DAY AGAINST CHILD LABOUR

5,000,000 CHILDREN UNDER SLAVERY-LIKE CONDITIONS

Under fourteen years old girl carries a basket of stones in Mnyamar. For the last fourteen years, the ILO and UN Member States observe 12th June as world day against child labour.

As many as 5,000,000 children are employed under somewhat like slavery conditions world-wide, so says the report issued by the International Labour Organizations (ILO). 

Every Twelfth  June is observed by the ILO and the United Nations Member States, as an International Day against child labour.

The ILO’s most recent estimate is that 168,000,000 children are in child labour, with 120,000,000 of them aged 5 to 14 and as many as 5,000,000 children are in slavery-like conditions. ILO’s Director General, Guy Ryder stated that around 20% to 30% of children in low income countries, complete their schooling and enter the labour market by the age of 15.

“Our new report shows the need for a coherent policy approach that tackles child labour and the lack of decent jobs for youth together. Keeping children in school and receiving a good education until at least the minimum  age of employment will determine the whole life of a child,” stated the Director General’s report.

“It is the only way for a child to acquire the basic knowledge and skills needed for further learning and for her/his future working life,” he added.

The ILO Report advises that National policies should be directed towards removing children and young people from hazardous jobs and as well remove the hazards in the work place.

Story by Abdul Hai

Picture source ILO.