COVID-19: Protect children from child labour, now more than ever! This is the theme for this year’s World Day Against Child Labour, organised on the 12th June. International Labour Organisation (ILO) launched it in 2002 in order to curb the menace of child labour. And to raise awareness among the underprivileged class of people. But, despite the various efforts taken by the United Nations as well as the various legislation available in India, the issue has yet not been eradicated.
It is one of the most serious issues in India as well as other developing countries. And poverty being the main reason for it. Children should be nurtured with love and care and give proper education. They must not have to go and work or earn for their family. But, due to poverty, lack of awareness among the parents and unemployed family members, children are forced to be engaged in some industries, hotels, factories etc. violating their basic rights.
Millions of children worldwide are involved in forced labour, drug trafficking and prostitution even in hazardous environment. This leads to the deprivation of receiving adequate education, health, leisure and basic freedom.
To stop exploitative child labour, the laws against it should be more stringent, the employer of a child must be strictly punished. Along with this, easy access to education is also vital to prohibit child labour. Proper implementation of existing laws is also a necessity.
In this case, as a responsible citizen everyone can do their part by raising awareness among people about the importance of giving education to their children. Apart from this, anyone can give a call to CHILDLINE 1098 which is a 24 hour free emergency call service. A Non Governmental Organisation (NGO) named Childline India operates it for children in need of care and protection.
Impact of Covid 19 on Child Labour
The International Labour Organisation and United Nations Children Fund have raised the worry that the pandemic might cause more problem. The disruption of supply chains and markets have increased the work load and decreased income . And more children might have to earn their bread.
As the pandemic wreaks havoc on family incomes, without support, many could resort to child labour.
Guy Ryder, ILO Director-General
Read the ILO and UNICEF report here.
Also read about the Laws and Provisions of punishment for Child Labour in India .
Subhalaxmi Chakrabarty contributed this article to Discover East. She is a Guwahati based lawyer and has a knack for traveling.
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(Feature image source: DNA)
