World Day Against Child Labour 2024, Theme, History, Significance, Data and Prevalence

World Day Against Child Labour 2024:- The World Day Against Child Labour is observed on June 12, 2024, marking the 25th anniversary of this significant occasion, first adopted in 1999. Each year, on June 12, the International Labour Organization (ILO) collaborates with global partners to commemorate this day. This year’s focus is on celebrating the 25th anniversary of ILO Convention No. 182 on the Worst Forms of Child Labour, which achieved universal ratification in 2020. The day also underscores the critical importance of ratifying and implementing ILO Convention No. 138 on the Minimum Age for Employment. Despite previous advancements, recent setbacks emphasize the need for united efforts to eradicate child labour in all its forms.

World Day Against Child Labour

Every year, the World Day Against Child Labour is observed on June 12 worldwide. This day aims to draw global attention to the issue of child labour and to implement measures to protect children and eliminate their employment in hazardous sectors. The first World Day Against Child Labour was observed by the International Labour Organization (ILO) on June 12, 2002, in Geneva, Switzerland, where the ILO is headquartered. Since then, June 12 has been recognized globally as World Day Against Child Labour.

The theme for the 2024 World Day Against Child Labour, chosen by the ILO, is “Let’s act on our commitments: End Child Labour.” This theme highlights the celebration of the 25th anniversary of the adoption of the ILO’s Worst Forms of Child Labour Convention. Additionally, the ILO General Conference set the minimum legal working age at 15 years on June 26, 1973.

World Day Against Child Labour

World Day Against Child Labour Overview

AspectDetails
NameWorld Day Against Child Labour
DateJune 12
First ObservedJune 12, 2002
Initiated byInternational Labour Organization (ILO)
Headquarters of ILOGeneva, Switzerland
PurposeTo focus global attention on the issue of child labour and take measures to end their employment in hazardous sectors
2024 Theme“Let’s act on our commitments: End Child Labour”
25th Anniversary CelebrationThe 2024 theme focuses on celebrating the 25th anniversary of the adoption of the Worst Forms of Child Labour Convention
Important ConventionILO Convention No. 182 on the Worst Forms of Child Labour
Universal RatificationILO Convention No. 182 was universally ratified in 2020
CategoryTrending

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Global Increase in Child Labour Overview

Historical Progress and Recent Setbacks

  • Early Achievements: Steady reduction in child labour from 2000 to 2019.
  • Recent Challenges: Conflicts, crises, and the COVID-19 pandemic have reversed progress, pushing more children into labour.
  • Current Statistics: 160 million children engaged in child labour, approximately 10% of the global child population.

Regional Statistics on Child Labour

RegionNumber of Child LabourersPercentage of Children
Africa72 million20%
Asia and Pacific62 million7%
Americas11 million5%
Europe & Central Asia6 million4%
Arab States1 million3%
  • Key Insight: Middle-income countries have the highest absolute numbers, with 84 million children, 56% of the global total.

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Theme for 2024: End Child Labour Now!

  • 2024 Theme: “Let’s act on our commitments: End Child Labour!”
  • Anniversary Celebration: Marks the 25th anniversary of the Worst Forms of Child Labour Convention (1999, No. 182).
  • Key Conventions Highlighted: Convention No. 182 and Convention No. 138 on Minimum Age for Employment.

History of World Day Against Child Labour

  • First Observed: June 12, 2002, by the ILO in Geneva, Switzerland.
  • Objective: Draw attention to child labour issues and revise strategies for elimination.
  • UN Recognition: 2021 declared the International Year for the Elimination of Child Labour.

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Prevalence of Child Labour

  • Global Statistics:
    • Total in Child Labour: 152 million children aged 5-17.
    • Hazardous Conditions: 73 million children.
    • Age Distribution:
      • 48% (5-11 years old)
      • 28% (12-14 years old)
      • 24% (15-17 years old)
  • Sector Concentration:
    • Agriculture: 71%
    • Services: 17%
    • Industrial: 12%

Call to Action for Ending Child Labour

  • SDG Target 8.7: End child labour in all forms by 2025.
  • Key Conventions: Implementation of ILO Conventions No. 182 and No. 138.
  • Urgency: Recent setbacks necessitate renewed and united efforts to eliminate child labour.

Data on Child Labour

Age GroupPercentage
5-11 years48%
12-14 years28%
15-17 years24%

Significance of World Day Against Child Labour

  • Purpose: Highlight the issue of child labour and promote actions to end it.
  • Global Collaboration: Involves governments, local authorities, civil society, and international organizations.
  • Goal: Eliminate child labour in all its forms and protect children’s rights.

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Accelerate Action to End Child Labour

  • Global Commitment: Adoption of SDG Target 8.7 to end child labour by 2025.
  • Key Steps: Ratification and implementation of ILO Conventions.
  • Global Conference: The Durban Call to Action provides a roadmap.

Regional and Economic Impact on Child Labour

  • Major Regions: Africa, Asia, and the Pacific together account for nearly 90% of child labourers.
  • Americas: 11 million children.
  • Europe and Central Asia: 6 million children.
  • Arab States: 1 million children.
  • Economic Insight: Middle-income countries have the largest number of child labourers, highlighting the need for inclusive economic growth.

Conclusion

Despite significant progress over the past two decades, the recent resurgence of child labour due to global conflicts, economic crises, and the COVID-19 pandemic underscores the need for renewed and intensified efforts. The 2024 World Day Against Child Labour, with its theme “Let’s act on our commitments: End Child Labour!”, highlights the urgency of global action to eliminate child labour. The data reveals that child labour is most prevalent in Africa and Asia and the Pacific, with these regions accounting for nearly 90% of child labourers worldwide. While low-income countries have the highest percentages of child labour, middle-income countries have the largest absolute numbers, indicating that economic growth must be more inclusive to alleviate the pressures leading families to resort to child labour.

The observance of this day, initiated by the International Labour Organization in 2002, plays a crucial role in mobilizing global efforts to protect children’s rights and ensure their development. It calls for the rigorous implementation of ILO Conventions No. 182 and No. 138, aiming to provide universal legal protection against child labour. As we celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Worst Forms of Child Labour Convention, it is a poignant reminder of the progress made and the challenges that lie ahead. The global community, guided by the Sustainable Development Goals and the Durban Call to Action, must accelerate efforts to make the elimination of child labour a reality. By uniting across sectors and borders, we can create a safer, healthier, and more equitable future for all children, ending child labour in all its forms by 2025.

FAQ’S

What is World Day Against Child Labour?

World Day Against Child Labour is observed annually on June 12 to focus global attention on the issue of child labour and to advocate for measures to eliminate it. The day was established by the International Labour Organization (ILO) in 2002.

Why is World Day Against Child Labour important?

The day highlights the plight of millions of children engaged in child labour, depriving them of their education, health, and basic freedoms. It mobilizes global efforts to address and eradicate child labour, ensuring a better future for children worldwide.

What is the theme for the 2024 World Day Against Child Labour?

The theme for 2024 is Let’s act on our commitments: End Child Labour! This theme marks the 25th anniversary of the adoption of the Worst Forms of Child Labour Convention No. 182 and calls for improved implementation of key conventions to end child labour.

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