India has a long way to go to eliminate child labour in all its forms by 2025 says a recent report tabled in the parliament by the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Labour, Textiles and Skill Development Committee. The report, titled ‘National Policy on Child Labour – An Assessment’, stated that “the implementation of the Policy has to go a long way for achieving the objective of elimination of child labour as per commitments made by the county after ratification of the International Labour Organisation (ILO) conventions and to achieve the target stipulated in Sustainable Development Goal 8.7 to end all forms of child labour by 2025.”
Considering the pervasiveness of child labour in India, the panel warned that it is “practically not possible” for India to meet the commitment made by the international community to eliminate child labour by 2025.
According to the ILO, “child labour” is work that deprives children of their childhood, their potential and their dignity, and that is harmful to physical, mental and emotional development. It refers to work that is mentally, physically, socially or morally dangerous and harmful to children; and/or interferes with a child’s ability to attend and participate in school fully by obliging them to leave school prematurely; or requiring them to attempt to combine school attendance with excessively long and heavy work. Child labour violates the fundamental rights of children.
The latest Global Estimates by the International Labour Organisation (ILO) and UNICEF indicate 160 million children around the world engaged in child labour, accounting for almost one in ten children globally. In India, as per the 2011 Census, which is the latest available data, there are about 1.26 crore working children in the age bracket of 5-15 years.
Children in India continue to remain extremely vulnerable to becoming victims of bonded and forced labour even in spite the enactment of the Child Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Act in 1986 (with amendments in 2016), and the Right to Education Act 2009.
How do we end the menace of child labour that still looms large across the globe, and contribute towards a future free from child labour?
Ending child labour in all its forms is a critical issue that needs urgent attention. Making the elimination of child labour a reality is a challenging but achievable goal that requires collective action, political will, and sustained commitment from all stakeholders.
Education emerges as a powerful tool in the fight against child labour. The single most effective way to stop the flow of school-aged children into child labour is to improve access to quality education. Schooling and child labour are inextricably linked. In the words of Nobel Peace Laureate Kailash Satyarthi, “We will not end child labour until every child is in school, and we will not succeed in ensuring every child is in school until we eradicate child labour”. By investing in inclusive and equitable education systems, governments can provide children with an alternative to labour, empowering them to build a better future for themselves and their communities.
Poverty, lack of decent work opportunities for adults, and social inequalities often push families to send their children to work. By implementing social protection programs, promoting sustainable livelihoods, and improving working conditions for adults will help mitigate the economic vulnerability of households and create an enabling environment that reduces the need for child labour.
Legal frameworks play a crucial role in combatting child labour. It is impossible to eliminate child labour without effective legislation. Strengthening laws, regulations, and enforcement mechanisms helps deter employers from exploiting children and holds offenders accountable for their actions. Investing in child protection systems, establishing helplines for reporting child labour violations, and conducting regular inspections in workplaces are essential steps in creating a culture of zero tolerance towards child labour.
Partnerships between governments, civil society organizations, businesses, and communities are key to making the elimination of child labour a reality. Engaging with employers, trade unions, and supply chains to promote responsible business practices and child-friendly workplaces is essential in preventing child labour and upholding children's rights.
Raising public awareness and changing societal attitudes towards child labour are also critical strategies. Educating communities about the negative consequences of child labour, challenging harmful norms and practices, and advocating for children's rights can help shift social perceptions and foster a culture of respect for children's dignity and well-being.
“Let’s act on our commitments: End Child Labour!”, the official theme for World Day Against Child Labour 2024, annually commemorated on 12 June, is a reminder of the commitment made by the international community to eliminate all forms of child labour by 2025.
Let us work together to create a world where children are safe, healthy, and able to enjoy their childhood free from exploitation. It is only through collective action and unwavering commitment that we can ensure a brighter future for the next generation.
(The writer is a member of the Society of Pilar and the Editor of ‘Fr Agnel’s Call’, a monthly mission and youth magazine)