World Day Against Child Labour 2024: Know the date, theme, origin and significance

In India, the Constitution explicitly prohibits children under the age of 14 from working in mines, factories, or hazardous occupations. Similarly, the International Labour Organisation (ILO) defines a child as anyone below the age of 18 who should not be involved in hazardous work.

These laws are in place to protect children from the exploitation that comes with child labour. Although significant progress has been made in reducing child labour over the years, it is now more crucial than ever to join forces and accelerate action towards ending child labour in all its forms.

World Day Against Child Labour 2024: Date and Theme

#EndChildLabour (Source: X/@ILO_Childlabour)

Annually observed on June 12, this year, in 2024, it will be celebrated on Wednesday under the theme, “Let’s Act on Our Commitments: End Child Labour,” which emphasizes the need for collective action to eradicate child labour and protect children from exploitation. It encourages governments, employers, workers, civil society, and individuals to work together to create a world free from child labour.

This year marks the 25th anniversary of the adoption of the Convention on the Worst Forms of Child Labour. It’s also a chance to encourage all stakeholders to enhance their implementation of the two main conventions on child labour, namely Convention No. 182 and Convention No. 138 on the Minimum Age for Admission to Employment or Work.

World Day Against Child Labour 2024: Origin and Significance

The significance of World Day Against Child Labour lies in its ability to promote and amplify the global call to stop child labour. Since 1987, the Indian central government has implemented a National Policy on Child Employment, which focuses on rehabilitating children and adolescents exposed to employment.

It’s also important to address the root causes of poverty by helping victims’ families improve their economic opportunities. As we commemorate the 25th anniversary of the Convention on the Worst Forms of Child Labor, it’s crucial to recognize the progress that has been made and intensify our efforts to eliminate child labour in all its manifestations.

The recent reversal of global trends highlights the urgent need to collaborate and speed up initiatives to end child labour. Together, we can make a difference and ensure that children are shielded from the exploitation of child labour.

World Day Against Child Labour 2024: Quotes

Child labour remains one of the most pressing human rights issues of our time, depriving millions of children worldwide of their education, health, and fundamental freedoms. Here are some quotes to share.

• Children should have pens in their hands, not tools. – Kailash Satyarthi
• Every child deserves a childhood free from exploitation and abuse. – Malala Yousafzai
• The only way to end child labour is to ensure that all children have access to education and opportunities. – ILO Director-General
• Child labour perpetuates poverty, unemployment, illiteracy, population growth, and other social problems. – Kailash Satyarthi
• There is no justification for child labour. The child is the future of our nation. Let us allow him to develop physically, mentally, and morally. – Mahatma Gandhi
• There can be no keener revelation of a society’s soul than how it treats its children. – Nelson Mandela