On 12 Jun, we marked the ‘World Day Against Child Labour’. But, what exactly defines ‘Child Labour’?
According to the International Labour Organization, “it is work that deprives children of their childhood, their potential and their dignity, and that is harmful to physical and mental development.” With the global rise in ‘Child Labour’, there is an increasing need to spread awareness against vulnerable children being forced into exploitation and as a result, denied of their rights.
‘Child Labour’ does not always mean trafficking and sexual exploitation of children. It can also mean children working to support their families. An opinion-based article titled ‘Child labour is exploitation: there’s no such thing as ‘good’ and ‘bad’ work’ dated 16 December 2020 from ‘The Guardian’ explored the distinction between children acquiring life skills and working long hours (that negatively affect their well-being and future).
With that said, here is an example of a child labourer: a 14-year-old charcoal maker from the Philippines who gave up his childhood to support his younger siblings. One could say it is easy to blame his parents for his plight in being a breadwinner as a child. However, due to family poverty, he needs a paying job to sustain his livelihood, and to keep his younger siblings going, regardless of his age.
I believe it is time for a change; To be a part of the change – to participate in the change that will help children escape their current or potential fate as a child labourer. The first step is to be aware that such cases are real and rampant across the world and to proliferate this awareness. The next step is to be a child sponsor, or start a petition on change.org. Contribute in whatever little ways we can and make the world a better place for the children. It does not hurt one to do a bit of his part towards the society, to do a bit of charity. I feel this is a small way that we can help break the cycle of poverty and malnutrition for these children. Every child deserves to have a happy childhood.
We must remember – Words are from the lips, actions are from the heart.
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