The United Nations certainly thinks so, and has backed a unanimously adopted resolution to shift from commitments to action. 2021 has been named the
International Year for the Elimination of Child Labor
A few statistics show the importance of continuing the effort. According to the International Labour Organization:
- 152 million children across the world are still involved in child labor
- The problem is concentrated in agriculture, services, and industries.
- With COVID-19, many children have been prevented from attending school, and have suffered from loss of family income.
The worst forms of child labour involve children being enslaved, separated from their families, exposed to serious hazards and illnesses and/or left to fend for themselves on the streets of large cities – often at a very early age.
The International Labour Organization will be leading the effort and has a website for more information at http://endchildlabour2021.org or you can sign up for their newsletter here. Let’s put an end to all slavery.
Stock photo by Lucas Metz on Unsplash
