World Day Against Child Labour
12 June 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.
What Is Child Labour?
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.
Why Do We Fight Against It?
The International Labour Organization (ILO), a United Nations agency, and UNICEF envision a world where every child can play, go to school, and live in safety. Unfortunately, more than 160 million children worldwide are forced to go to work instead of attending school each day. This means one in every ten children is affected.
Children are especially vulnerable to exploitation during crises such as war, poverty, and natural disasters. In Türkiye, child labour remains a persistent issue in sectors such as agriculture, industry, and street vending.
(Generated by artificial intelligence.)
What Happens on This Day?
On 12 June, in many countries including Türkiye:
- Discussions on child labour are held,
- Posters are created and marches are organized,
- Children and adults are educated about children’s rights,
- Calls are made for better laws and stronger enforcement.
For instance, 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.
(Generated by artificial intelligence.)
What Is Being Done in Türkiye?
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 assistance they need so that children are not forced into work.
Time Travel:
📅 In 2002, the International Labour Organization (ILO) officially declared 12 June as the World Day Against Child Labour.
References:
ILO Türkiye - June 12 World Day Against Child Labour
Istanbul Bar Association News Detail
