World Day Against Child Labour: An ILO Initiative
The ‘World Day Against Child Labour’ is an International Labour Organization-sanctioned holiday to raise awareness and activism to prevent child labour.
The International Labour Organization (ILO) recognized June 12 as a pivotal day for child human rights in 2002. This year, ILO commemorates a century of impactful work addressing social concerns and advocating for decent work conditions worldwide. However, the alarming reality persists: an estimated 152 million children aged 5 to 17 are ensnared in ‘child labour.’
These young individuals, devoid of access to education and leisure time, endure a lack of proper nutrition and basic hygiene, forced into labor instead of embracing the fundamental opportunities for learning, growth, and play that should define their childhood.
Plight in Cambodia: Child Exploitation Realities
In Cambodia, children from the poorest families are forced to work, sometimes doing activities that place them in danger. According to ILO, 313,000 children are victims of exploitation, such as drug trafficking and prostitution. Others work in fields, in factories or in construction, instead of attending school, playing with their friends or spending quality time with their families. Because of this many children in Cambodia are deprived of a healthy childhood essential for the overall well being of children in the long run.
The International Labour Organization (ILO) has delineated standards specifying that children aged 15 to 17 may partake in non-hazardous light work. However, in Cambodia, a lack of widespread awareness or intentional disregard for this regulation persists among many.
The significance of the World Day Against Child Labour lies in its mission to foster widespread consciousness and garner collective support for combatting this issue. Education emerges as the linchpin in the fight against child labour. A robust educational framework not only equips children with essential skills but also provides them with the opportunity to secure dignified employment in adulthood. This transformative power of education breaks the cycle of poverty, ensuring that subsequent generations are not compelled to contribute to family income through labour.
Anjali House’s Initiatives: Empowering Children
At Anjali House, we advocate against child labor, prioritizing education over work for our students. Our comprehensive Education Program equips them with vital life skills, including English, computer proficiency, budgeting, and encourages critical thinking. Additionally, our Young Adults Program prepares students for the job market.
We extend support to families, offering financial aid during emergencies, ensuring children aren’t compelled to work to sustain their families during critical periods
In 2018, none of our students under 16 years old engaged in work, while 36% of Cambodian children aged 5 to 14 were involved in work activities, as reported by UNICEF.
It’s paramount to us that our children enjoy their childhood to the fullest, dedicating 100% of their time to simply being children, cherishing their aspirations in peace.
The Cambodian Government has pledged to eradicate child labour, necessitating support from local organizations. However, organizations like ours rely on financial aid from donors to ensure every child can prioritize learning, playing, and dreaming freely.
You can unite with us in this global movement to eliminate child exploitation.
Because children shouldn’t be working, except on their dreams.
Donate now and be a part of the change :
- Chuffed: https://bit.ly/3ucnBFq
- Khmer care: https://bit.ly/3T7F4cz
Read more articles: