CHILD LABOUR IS A SERIOUS ISSUE

 

   CHILD LABOUR IS A SERIOUS ISSUE

               

Child labour is a serious issue that effects millions of children around the world. It is defined as work that is hazardous, exploitative, or interferes with a child's education and development. This can include forced labour, domestic work, and work in dangerous or unhealthy conditions.

One of the main causes of child labour is poverty. Families living in poverty may feel that they have no other choice but to send their children to work in order to survive. Additionally, lack of access to education can also contribute to child labour, as children who do not attend school may have limited job options and may be more likely to turn to work as a means of survival.

The effects of child labour can be devastating for children. They may suffer from physical and emotional abuse, as well as poor health and lack of education. This can lead to a cycle of poverty and poor social and economic outcomes for the child and their family. Additionally, child labor can also have a negative impact on the economy and society as a whole, as it can lead to lower productivity and economic growth.

Governments and organizations around the world are working to combat child labour and protect children from exploitation. This includes laws and regulations to protect children from hazardous work, as well as programs to provide education and economic opportunities for families. Additionally, there are also campaigns and advocacy efforts to raise awareness about child labour and the need to protect children's rights.

However, these efforts have been hampered by COVID-19 pandemic, as lock-downs, school closures and economic downturns have pushed more children into poverty and vulnerable to child labour. According to the International Labour Organization, the pandemic could push an additional 24 million children into child labour by 2021.

Another important step in addressing child labor is to target the root causes of poverty, such as lack of access to education and economic opportunities. This can involve providing education and vocational training, as well as supporting small businesses and entrepreneurship. Additionally, there is a need for international cooperation to combat child labour, as it is a global issue that requires a coordinated effort.

Consumers can also play a role in combatting child labour by being mindful of the products they purchase and supporting companies that have policies in place to protect children's rights. This can include purchasing products that are certified as being produced without child labour, and supporting companies that have programs in place to provide education and economic opportunities for families.

In conclusion, child labour is a serious issue that affects millions of children around the world. It is often caused by poverty and lack of access to education, and can have devastating effects on children's health and well-being. Governments and organizations are working to combat child labour and protect children's rights, but more needs to be done to target the root causes of poverty and provide education and economic opportunities for families. Consumers can also play a role by being mindful of the products they purchase and supporting companies that have policies in place to protect children's rights.

         

                                                                             Written by

                                                                             Yasir Iqbal chatha