Somewhere in the world today, a child woke up before sunrise; not to prepare for school, but to pick through garbage for recyclables, to work in the sweltering heat of a farm, or to carry weights heavier than their own dreams. These are not scenes from history books, this is child labour, a daily reality for millions of children across the globe. Stripped of play, protection, and possibility, these children are caught in a cycle of survival, forced to grow up too soon in a world that should have sheltered them.

It’s for them that June 12 was set aside as World Day Against Child Labour. First established by the International Labour Organization in 2002, this day stands as both a solemn reminder and a collective rallying cry to acknowledge the injustices children face and to renew our promise to protect their right to simply be children. 

Why Child Labour Should Be Stopped

It robs children of their education, health, safety, and fundamental rights. According to recent ILO and UNICEF reports, over 160 million children are still engaged in child labour globally, with nearly half of them involved in hazardous work. These numbers rose significantly due to the socioeconomic impact of COVID-19, conflicts, displacement, and climate-related crises.

This year’s theme, “Let’s Act on Our Commitments: End Child Labour”, is a bold reminder that while promises have been made on paper, urgent, collective action is needed to bring real, measurable change to children’s lives.

Understanding Child Labour vs. Child Work

It’s essential to distinguish between child labour and child work. While children helping their families or earning part-time in safe, age-appropriate ways is not inherently harmful, child labour refers to work that:

• Is mentally, physically, socially, or morally dangerous
  
• Interferes with schooling
  
• Enslaves or exploits the child
  
• Involves trafficking, forced labour, or hazardous environments
  

Industries Where It Thrives

Child labour remains rampant in:

• Agriculture (accounting for 70% of cases)
  
• Mining and construction
  
• Domestic work
  
• Textiles and manufacturing
  
• Informal urban economies (street vending, begging rings)
  

In many cases, these children are unseen, unprotected, and unheard.

The Ripple Effect: Why Ending Child Labour Benefits All

Eliminating this uncomfortable reality for these children is not just a humanitarian issue, it’s an investment in sustainable development, gender equality, and economic growth. Children free from labour are more likely to access quality education, break cycles of poverty, and grow into adults who contribute meaningfully to society.

Moreover, ethical supply chains, fair trade, and responsible consumerism are becoming key drivers in global markets. Brands and companies that actively fight child labour are more trusted and future-ready.

What Needs to Be Done

To truly end this menace, we must:

• Invest in quality education for all
  
• Support struggling families through social protection
  
• Enforce labour laws and corporate responsibility
  
• Empower communities to speak up and take action
  
• Collaborate across sectors—government, NGOs, businesses, media, and individuals
  

How You Can Help

Even as an individual, your voice and choices matter:

Educate yourself and others about these realities
Support and donate to organizations working to end child exploitation
Buy ethically from child-labour-free brands
Raise awareness on social media
Demand accountability from your government and favorite companies

In Closing: A World Where Childhood is Sacred

Children deserve a childhood, one filled with curiosity, safety, learning, and play. In our pursuit of justice, equality, and a better world, let’s ensure no child is left behind

Be loud, be committed, and most of all, act now.