The International Labour Organization (ILO)’s Convention No. 182, which focuses on the Worst Forms of Child Labour, has received universal recognition after being ratified by the Kingdom of Tonga. This significant moment marks the full acceptance of the convention by all 187 ILO member countries.
Universal Ratification and its Meaning
Universal ratification signifies the endorsement of a particular convention or regulation by every member of an organization. In this case, all ILO member countries have acknowledged Convention No. 182, demonstrating a collective commitment to combating child labour.
Understanding Child Labour
The ILO defines child labour as work depriving children of their childhood, potential, and dignity, and is harmful to their physical and mental development. In the least developed nations, over a quarter of children aged 5-17 are engaged in such damaging labour. The objective of erasing child labour forms part of Sustainable Development Goal Target 8.7, so much so that the UN General Assembly has declared 2021 the year for child labour eradication.
Details about Convention No. 182
Adopted in Geneva in 1999 by ILO member states, Convention No. 182 serves to shield children from the most extreme types of child labour, such as slavery, prostitution, trafficking, and deployment in armed conflict, along with other conditions threatening their overall wellbeing.
Pertinent International Laws on Child Labour
There exists other impactful international legislation pertaining to child labour. For example, the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (1989) emphasizes that children have their own rights and are not mere objects. The Minimum Age Convention 1973 aims to restrict the employment of children below a set minimum age. India ratified both the Convention No. 182 and the 1973 Minimum Age Convention in 2017, recognizing the essence of the 1998 declaration on fundamental work principles and rights.
Implications of Laws on Child Labour
Child labour and its worst forms saw almost a 40% decrease between 2000 and 2016 due to the rise in ratification rates and the implementation of relevant policies and laws, according to the ILO. This led directly to increased enrollment in primary education.
Current Challenges
Despite progress, an estimated 152 million children are still trapped in child labour, with 72 million engaged in hazardous work. The COVID-19 pandemic poses an additional threat, potentially reversing recent gains amid job loss, worsening work conditions, declining household income, and temporary school closures.
The Way Forward
Addressing the cycle of poverty effectively to help families find alternative survival means is critical. Many NGOs, such as Bachpan Bachao Andolan, ChildFund, and CARE India, actively work towards eradicating child labour in India. Governments and international communities must act urgently against forced child labour, with focused efforts at the state level to avoid the practice continuing.
