Child labor is a global issue that has been a concern for over a century. Despite efforts to eliminate it, there are still millions of children around the world who are employed illegally, missing out on education and a happy childhood. The International Labor Organization (ILO) declared June 12 as World Day Against Child Labor over a decade ago. However, the problem persists, and it is essential to raise awareness and take action to eradicate child labor.

In many developing countries, children are forced to work to support their families, and illegal employers take advantage of their vulnerability. The images of child labor shown in this article demonstrate the harsh realities that many children face. They are mentally, physically, and emotionally drained, and in many cases, exploited, abused, and enslaved.

In Bangladesh, Shaheen, aged 10, works at an aluminium factory while Rustam, aged 10, works at the same type of factory with 25 other children, for 12 hours a day. In both cases, the children are exposed to hazardous conditions that put their health at risk. Czoton, aged 7, works at a balloon factory in Dhaka, which is an activity that does not require skills but exposes the child to harsh chemicals and toxic fumes.

In Pakistan, Naginah Sadiq and another young child work in a brick factory. They collect clay and perform other laborious tasks for long hours, causing them physical harm and depriving them of schooling. In Islamabad, a young child scavenges the rubbish dump looking for plastic, while another arranges bricks on the outskirts of Herat in Afghanistan.

In India, a little girl dries bricks for a brick factory, and a young boy cleans bike parts, possibly to sell. Jacques Monkotan, aged 4, works in an excavation site in Benin, carrying heavy objects for construction. Paulo Henrique Felix da Silveira, aged 9, scavenges in the Saramandaia slum in Brazil, where he faces health hazards and faces the risk of accident or injury.

In Sudan, a little boy earns money by forming mud blocks, while Issa, aged 10, works in a weapons factory for the Free Syrian Army. In Burma, a young girl carries cement needed for a new hotel. In Thailand, an illegal immigrant child collects plastic at a rubbish dump, facing health risks and abuse.

These children are deprived of their childhood, missing out on opportunities for education, play, and social interaction. They are often exploited and abused by their employers, working in hazardous conditions that expose them to physical and mental harm. In extreme cases, they are enslaved and forced to undertake dangerous activities. Child labor perpetuates poverty, and it is essential to eliminate it to ensure the well-being of children and promote sustainable development.

Governments and global organizations have made significant efforts to eliminate child labor, but more needs to be done. The ILO has set up conventions and protocols that aim to eliminate the worst forms of child labor, such as slavery, forced labor, and human trafficking. However, these conventions are not legally binding, and many countries have failed to adopt them.

Governments need to prioritize education, creating access to schooling for all children, including those in remote and disadvantaged communities. They also need to invest in social protection programs that prevent families from resorting to child labor due to financial constraints. Employers must be held accountable for hiring children and providing safe working conditions for their employees.

Consumers also have a role to play by choosing prudently the products they buy, ensuring that they are ethically and sustainably sourced. Companies should set up responsible supply chains that exclude products made by child labor.

In conclusion, child labor is a global issue that continues to affect millions of children worldwide, depriving them of their childhood, education, and well-being. Governments, organizations, and consumers must work together to eliminate it, providing access to education, social protection programs for families, and ensuring that companies follow responsible supply chains. This will ensure that children can enjoy their childhood, pave the way for sustainable development, and create a fairer, more just world for all.