Some 168 million children around the world are considered “child labourers” with 85 million of them engaging in what is considered “hazardous work” – a problem which is being exacerbated by the number of crisises taking place around the world today, according to the UN International Labour Organization.
Speaking to mark the World Day Against Child Labour, Guy Ryder, director-general of the ILO, said in a statement on Monday that children caught up in conflicts and disasters are at “particular risk” of being child labourers.
“In areas affected by conflict and disaster, homes and schools are often destroyed,” he said. “Many families lose their means to earn a living. Family and social protection systems break down and increase the risk of child labour. Child refugees and migrants, particularly those on the move who are separated from their families, are especially vulnerable and can easily fall prey to trafficking and child labour.”
“Those who stay – or are left – behind are especially vulnerable to the worst forms of child labour, including in mining or scavenging for metal and minerals in war-torn areas, clearing rubble, or working in the streets. In the most extreme cases, children find themselves as combatants fighting adult wars. Others are used by armed forces or groups as spies, helpers and porters – or become victims of sexual exploitation and abuse.”
Calling for increased action to address the issue against the backdrop of what he called “the greatest refugee crisis for decades”, Mr Guy said all children have the right to be protected from child labour. “Yet, around the world, there are still 168 million children in child labour. Eighty-five million of them are engaged in hazardous work.”
Mr Ryder said that under Target 8.7 of the UN’s 2030 Sustainable Development Goals , all countries had committed to eliminating all forms of child labour by 2025.
“This target can only be achieved if no child is left behind – no matter how difficult and challenging the circumstances,” he said. “The international community is paying more and more attention to this challenge, but more needs to be done…There is no time to lose. Now is the time to intensify our action to accelerate progress towards ending all forms of child labour.”
