World Day Against Child Labour 2024: Theme, History and Facts You Need to Know

Every year on 12th June, the world comes together to commemorate World Day Against Child Labour. This significant event is organised by the International Labour Organisation which raises awareness around the world against child labour and highlights the importance of eliminating it. 

Child labour refers to work that is inappropriate for a child's age, mental or physical capacity. It can have devastating consequences, robbing children of their education, health, and childhood. Millions of children around the world are still forced into labour, often in hazardous conditions.

On World Day Against Child Labor, let's unite to protect children's rights. Every child deserves an education, not exploitation.#WorldDayAgainstChildLabour pic.twitter.com/yoIeRRcTJX

— V.C. Sajjanar, IPS (@SajjanarVC) June 12, 2024

"Every child deserves a childhood. Let's stand against child labor. #ChildLabourDay" pic.twitter.com/3uxGfC6M1Y

— Zeenat Shabrin (@ShabrinZeenat) June 12, 2024

What is the History of World Day Against Child Labour?

The initiative of World Day Against Child Labour was taken when the ILO launched World Day Against Child Labour in 2002. This first event, held at the ILO's headquarters in Geneva, aimed to bring global attention to the widespread problem and galvanise action towards ending it.

The UN mentions: “The International Labour Organization (ILO) launched the World Day Against Child Labour in 2002 to focus attention on the global extent of child labour and the action and efforts needed to eliminate it. Each year on 12 June, the World Day brings together governments, employers and workers organizations, civil society, as well as millions of people from around the world to highlight the plight of child labourers and what can be done to help them.”

World Day Against Child Labour 2024: Theme

This year's theme, "Let's Act on Our Commitments: End Child Labour!", carries a powerful message, urging a renewed global effort to eradicate this persistent issue.

The theme reflects two key aspects:

Accountability for Commitments: The international community, through Sustainable Development Goal Target 8.7, has pledged to eliminate all forms of child labour by 2025. The theme serves as a call to action, reminding governments, organisations, and individuals of their commitments.

25th Anniversary of ILO Convention No. 182: 2024 marks a significant year—the 25th anniversary of the adoption of the Worst Forms of Child Labour Convention. This convention, ratified by all ILO member states, stands as a testament to the global commitment to ending the most egregious forms of child exploitation.

The UN states: “This year's World Day will focus on celebrating the 25th anniversary of the adoption of the Worst Forms of Child Labour Convention (1999, No. 182). It also presents an opportunity to remind all stakeholders to improve their implementation of the two fundamental Conventions on child labour - Convention No. 182 and Convention No. 138 concerning the Minimum Age for Admission to Employment or Work (1973).”

World Day Against Child Labour 2024: Facts

• According to UNICEF, “Nearly 1 in 10 children are subjected to child labour worldwide, with some forced into hazardous work through trafficking.”
• The UN data indicates that there are over 73 million children involved in hazardous work. 
• The issue is most severe in Africa and the Asia-Pacific region. A staggering 19.6% of children in Africa and 7.4% in the Asia-Pacific region are involved in child labour.
• The UN mentions: “From 2000 to 2020, child labour decreased by 85.5 million dropping from 16% to 9.6%.”
• UNICEF mentions: “Roughly 160 million children were subjected to child labour at the beginning of 2020, with 9 million additional children at risk due to the impact of COVID-19. This accounts for nearly 1 in 10 children worldwide. Almost half of them are in hazardous work that directly endangers their health and development.”

What can be done?

The World Day Against Child Labour is a call to action for everyone. Here are some ways you can contribute:

• Raise awareness: Spread the word about child labour and the importance of ending it. Share information on social media and talk to friends and family.
• Support organisations: Donate to or volunteer with NGOs working to combat child labour.
• Demand action: Hold governments and businesses accountable for their commitments to ending child labour.
• Educate yourself: Learn more about the root causes of child labour, such as poverty and lack of access to education.