As the world marks World Day Against Child Labour on June 12, promoted by the International Labour Organization and UNICEF, global leaders are renewing their commitment to combat child labor. Despite progress made in recent years, the issue remains urgent, with one in 10 children still engaged in harmful or illegal labor. The event serves as a reminder of the need for coordinated international efforts to address this persistent problem.
International organizations and governments are calling for stronger enforcement of existing labor laws and the creation of new frameworks to protect children from exploitation. The focus is on regions where child labor is most prevalent, including parts of sub-Saharan Africa, South Asia, and Latin America. These areas often face challenges such as poverty, lack of education, and weak enforcement mechanisms, making them vulnerable to child labor practices.
While some progress has been made through international agreements and local initiatives, the scale of the problem continues to demand more robust action. Advocacy groups emphasize the importance of addressing the root causes of child labor, such as economic inequality and lack of access to education. They also urge governments to take a more active role in monitoring and enforcing labor laws, particularly in industries known for child labor, such as agriculture and mining.