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In a recent observance of World Day Against Child Labour on June 12th 2020, the world focussed on the theme – “Covid-19: Protect children from child labour, now more than ever.” This highlighted the dilemmas faced by child laborers, in particular, concerning the impact of the current Covid-19 crisis. Launched by the International Labour Organisation (ILO) in 2002, this annual event is an opportunity to consider the steps needed to eradicate child labor.
The Problem: Child Labour
The ILO defines child labour as the work that robs children of their childhood, their potential, and their dignity. It’s considered harmful to their physical and emotional development. In the least developed nations, more than a quarter of children aged between 5 and 17 are engaged in labor which is directly detrimental to their health and development. The UN Sustainable Development Goal Target 8.7 aims to end child labour in all its forms by 2025.
International Laws against Child Labour
There have been significant strides made in establishing international laws to protect the rights of the child. These include the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, established in 1989, and the International Labour Organizations Conventions, stipulating minimum ages for employment and highlighting the worst forms of child labour.
Global Data on Child Labour
There are currently 152 million children worldwide, aged between 5 and 17, involved in child labour. Nearly half of these, 73 million, are engaged in hazardous work. The majority of child labour takes place in the agricultural sector (71%), followed by services (17%), and then industry (12%).
India and Child Labour
Within the age group of 15-18 years, India has approximately 23 million working children. This equates to one in eleven children aged between 5 and 18 who are working. The states with the highest numbers of child labourers are Uttar Pradesh, Bihar Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, and Maharashtra.
Constitutional Provisions and Government Initiatives
The Indian constitution provides several articles against child labor while the Indian government has made significant strides in implementing initiatives aimed at eradicating it, including forming committees to research the issue, enacting legislation, and focusing on rehabilitation rather than prevention.
The Impact of Covid-19 on Child Labour in India
India’s lockdown following the outbreak of Covid-19 has left many child labourers without an income, protection against the virus, or a means of support. Many have been forced into labour due to their parents losing their jobs and returning to their home villages without employment.
Concerns and Challenges
Despite the presence of laws aimed at ending child labour, it continues to be prevalent in India. Legislation lacks clarity around the definition of a child in terms of age, and the lack of adequate identification documents makes it difficult to verify a child’s age. Law enforcement is lacking due to corruption, and poverty and lack of access to education are significant contributing factors.
Moving Forward
To break the poverty cycle and end child labour, families need alternatives for survival. NGOs, such as Bachpan Bachao Andolan, ChildFund, CARE India, and Kailash Satyarthi Children Foundation, are working tirelessly to eradicate child labour in India. A more focussed approach with state-level authorities is needed, along with urgent global action to end forced child labour.
