World Day Against Child Labour 2024: Theme, History and Facts You Need to Know

Every year on June 12, the world comes together to mark the World Day Against Child Labour. This important event is organized by the International Labour Organization to raise awareness against child labour around the world and highlight the importance of eliminating child labour.

Child labor is work that is inappropriate for a child’s age, mental or physical abilities. Child labor can have devastating consequences, depriving children of their education, health and childhood. Millions of children around the world are still forced to work, often in dangerous conditions.

What is the history of World Day Against Child Labour?

The World Day Against Child Labour initiative began with the International Labour Organization launching the World Day Against Child Labour in 2002. The first event was held at the ILO headquarters in Geneva to draw global attention to this widespread problem and encourage people to take action to eliminate it.

The United Nations mentioned: “The International Labour Organization (ILO) launched the World Day against Child Labour in 2002 to draw attention to the prevalence of child labour around the world and the actions and efforts needed to eliminate it. Every year on 12 June, the World Day against Child Labour brings together governments, employers’ and workers’ organizations, civil society and millions of people from around the world to highlight the plight of child labourers and what can be done to help them.”

World Day Against Child Labour 2024: Theme

This year’s theme, “Let’s Keep the Promise: End Child Labour!”, sends a powerful message calling for renewed global efforts to eliminate this long-standing problem.

This theme embodies two key aspects:

Commitment Accountability: The international community has committed through SDG 8.7 to eliminate all forms of child labour by 2025. The theme serves as a call to action, reminding governments, organizations and individuals to deliver on their commitments.

ILO Convention No. 182: 25th Anniversary in 2024 It’s an important year – the 25th anniversary of the adoption of the Worst Forms of Child Labour Convention. Ratified by all ILO member States, the Convention is a testament to global commitment to ending the worst forms of child exploitation.

The United Nations states: “This year’s World Day will focus on celebrating the 25th anniversary of the Worst Forms of Child Labour Convention, 1999 (No. 182). It also provides an opportunity to remind all stakeholders to strengthen the implementation of the two fundamental conventions on child labour – Convention No. 182 and Convention No. 138 concerning Minimum Age for Admission to Employment or Work, 1973.”

World Day Against Child Labour 2024: The facts

  • According to UNICEF, “Nearly one in ten children worldwide are forced into child labour, with some even being trafficked and forced into hazardous work.”
  • UN data shows that more than 73 million children are engaged in hazardous work.
  • The problem is most severe in Africa, where 19.6% of children are involved in child labour, and in Asia-Pacific, where 7.4% of children are involved in child labour.
  • The United Nations mentioned: “From 2000 to 2020, child labor decreased by 85.5 million, from 16% to 9.6%.”
  • UNICEF states: “As of early 2020, approximately 160 million children were forced into child labour, with a further 9 million at risk due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This is almost one in ten children worldwide. Nearly half of these children are in hazardous work, which directly harms their health and development.”

what can we do?

World Day Against Child Labour calls on everyone to take action. Here are some ways you can contribute:

  • Raise awareness: Spread the word about child labour and why it is so important to end it. Share the message on social media and engage with friends and family.
  • Support organizations: Donate or volunteer with NGOs working to combat child labor.
  • Demand action: Hold governments and businesses accountable for their commitments to end child labour.
  • Educate yourself: Learn more about the root causes of child labor, such as poverty and lack of access to education.

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