An Insight into World Day Against Child Labour

1. The World Day Against Child Labour was initiated in 2002 by the ILO ( International Labour Organisation ) with the objective of bringing light on the issue of child labour and the necessary measures required to eliminate it.
2. On this special day, various stakeholders including governments, employers, workers organisations, and civil society come together to highlight the plight of child labourers and discuss the necessary measures required to help them. This day also plays a crucial role in promoting UN Sustainable Development Goal Target 8.7.

3. This day also encourages the ratification of the 2014 protocol to the forced labour convention, which aims to protect both children and adults from forced labour.
4. The theme for World Day Against Child Labour 2021 is: “Act Now: End Child Labour.” This theme was chosen in light of the COVID-19 pandemic, which has pushed millions into poverty and has a direct link to the increase in child labour.

Understanding Child Labour

1. As defined by the ILO, child labour refers to work that deprives children of their childhood, their potential, and their dignity, and is harmful to their physical and mental development.
2. Bonded Labour : This form of exploitation forces a child to work in order to pay off a debt taken by his/her parent.
3. Urban Child Labour : This refers to street children who spend most of their life on the streets working as labourers.

Various Forms of Chil