A recent report from the ILO and UNICEF highlights that 140 million children worldwide are affected by child labor, with 50 million involved in hazardous work.
A joint report by the International Labour Organization (ILO) and UNICEF, published at the end of last year, indicates that child labor affects a staggering 140 million children globally, with 50 million of them engaged in what is classified as hazardous work. Child labor is defined as work performed by children aged 5 to 17, while hazardous work includes activities in high-risk industries or those where children work 43 hours or more a week.
The report underscores various forms of child labor that are particularly egregious, including slavery and similar practices, such as the sale and trafficking of children, debt bondage, and forced involvement in armed conflicts. Additionally, it highlights the risks of children being exploited for commercial sexual purposes or being recruited for illegal activities. The living conditions of these marginalized children are dire, drawing attention to the urgent need for global intervention and solutions to combat this issue.
This report serves as a critical reminder of the pervasive nature of child labor and its harmful implications on child welfare and development on a global scale. The ongoing challenges faced by millions of vulnerable children call for concerted efforts by governments, NGOs, and international organizations to tackle the root causes of child labor and to protect children’s rights.
