Child labor

Definition

Child labor refers to the exploitation of children through work that deprives them of their childhood, potential, and dignity, and is harmful to their physical and mental development. This issue is particularly pressing in the context of international efforts to eradicate poverty and promote children's rights, as it intersects with broader challenges faced by UN specialized agencies in achieving their goals.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. According to the ILO, approximately 160 million children are engaged in child labor worldwide, with a significant number working in hazardous conditions.
2. Child labor often stems from economic necessity, where families depend on children's income for survival, highlighting the link between poverty and child exploitation.
3. Efforts to combat child labor include legal frameworks established by the ILO and various UN agencies that promote children's rights and welfare.
4. Education is a key factor in reducing child labor; ensuring access to quality education helps break the cycle of poverty and diminishes the reliance on child workers.
5. The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated child labor issues, pushing more children into the workforce due to economic hardships faced by families globally.

Review Questions

• What are the main factors contributing to child labor in developing countries, and how do these factors impact UN specialized agencies' efforts?
  • The primary factors contributing to child labor include poverty, lack of access to education, and cultural norms that accept child work. These factors create significant barriers for UN specialized agencies aiming to combat child labor. For example, when families are struggling financially, they may rely on their children's income, making it difficult for organizations like the ILO to implement effective interventions without addressing underlying economic challenges.
• Analyze how international legal frameworks influence the effectiveness of UN agencies in addressing child labor globally.
  • International legal frameworks, such as those established by the ILO, play a crucial role in shaping policies aimed at eradicating child labor. These frameworks set binding standards for member countries and encourage compliance through monitoring mechanisms. The effectiveness of UN agencies depends on how well these laws are enforced at national levels. When countries adopt and implement these regulations, it strengthens collaborative efforts and enhances the overall impact of anti-child labor initiatives.
• Evaluate the progress made toward eliminating child labor since the establishment of the Sustainable Development Goals, and consider what further actions are necessary.
  • Since the establishment of the Sustainable Development Goals in 2015, there has been some progress toward reducing child labor, with numerous countries adopting stricter laws and policies. However, setbacks due to global crises like COVID-19 have led to increased instances of child exploitation. To achieve the target of ending child labor by 2025, further actions are necessary including enhanced support for vulnerable families, better access to education, and increased international cooperation among governments and NGOs to tackle poverty as a root cause.

Related terms

Universal Declaration of Human Rights: A foundational document adopted by the United Nations in 1948, outlining the rights and freedoms inherent to all human beings, including the right to education and protection from exploitation.

International Labour Organization (ILO): A UN agency that sets international labor standards and promotes rights at work, aiming to eliminate child labor through various conventions and programs.

Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): A collection of 17 global goals established by the United Nations in 2015, which includes targets to end child labor in all its forms by 2025 as part of broader efforts to promote sustainable development.