• 24-10-2023
• ||
• by Admin

Promoting the Rights of Children

Certainly! Let’s delve into the critical issue of protecting the rights of children against child labor on a global scale.

Protecting Children from Child Labor: A Collective Responsibility

Around 215 million children worldwide are engaged in child labor. Many of these children endure harmful, hazardous, or even dangerous work that jeopardizes their health and future development. Every child deserves a real childhood—to play, learn, and dream of a brighter future. However, eradicating child labor remains a complex task because many families send their children to work out of necessity rather than choice. Economic vulnerability, lack of household income, and the need to pay for health bills or school fees drive this unfortunate reality.

Social Protection Measures as a Solution:

1. Cash Transfer Schemes:

   • Researchers have found that cash transfer programs can significantly reduce child labor.
   • Under these schemes, families receive monthly payments, sometimes with the condition that their children attend school.
   • Notably, Brazil’s Bolsa Família program has played a key role in reducing child labor both in rural and urban areas.

2. Health Shocks and Child Labor:

   • There exists a strong link between health shocks (such as illness or injury) and child labor.
   • When a household’s main breadwinner is incapacitated or when they must pay for sick family members’ care, child labor becomes a coping mechanism.

Legal Protections:

1. Universal Ratification of ILO Convention No. 182:

   • This landmark achievement means that all children now have legal protection against the worst forms of child labor.

2. ILO Convention No. 138 on Minimum Age:

   • Together with universal ratification of ILO Convention No. 182, this provides legal protection against all forms of child labor.

UNICEF’s Role:

• Nearly 1 in 10 children worldwide faces child labor.
• Economic hardship often comes at the price of a child’s safety.
• UNICEF continues to advocate for stronger protections and awareness.

In conclusion, safeguarding children’s rights requires concerted efforts from governments, organizations, and individuals worldwide.