World Day Against Child Labour

June 12 is observed annually as World Day Against Child Labour. This special day aims to raise awareness of the hardships faced by children working around the world and to remind everyone of their most fundamental right—the right to grow up playing, learning, and in safety.

Child labour refers to the employment of children in work that is inappropriate for their age and negatively affects their development and education. Such work can harm children’s health, safety, and well-being. For example, if a child is forced to carry heavy loads for long hours, cannot attend school, or works with dangerous machinery, this constitutes child labour.

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The International Labour Organization (ILO), a United Nations agency, and UNICEF envision a world where every child can play, go to school, and feel safe. Unfortunately, more than 160 million children worldwide are forced to go to work instead of school each day. This means one in every ten children is affected.

In times of crisis such as war, poverty, and natural disasters, children are even more likely to be exploited for labour. In Türkiye, child labour remains a persistent issue in sectors such as agriculture, industry, and street vending.

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On June 12, in many countries including Türkiye:

• Discussions on child labour are held,
• Posters are created and marches are organized,
• Children’s rights are taught to students and adults alike,
• Calls are made for better laws and stronger enforcement.

For example, the Istanbul Bar Association advocates for every child’s right to education and raises public awareness on this issue. Unions such as Türk-İş emphasize that adults, not children, should be working.

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In Türkiye, both the government and civil society organizations are working to combat child labour. The ILO and UNICEF are developing support programs for families and awareness campaigns in schools. The goal is to ensure families receive the support they need so children are not forced into work.

📅 In 2002, the International Labour Organization (ILO) officially designated June 12 as the World Day Against Child Labour.

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