World Day Against Child Labour

Every year June 12^th is observed as the World Day Against Child Labour. This day serves as a powerful reminder of the urgent need to eliminate child labour globally. The main purpose of this day is to raise awareness, mobilize efforts, and ignite action towards securing a brighter future for children worldwide. The theme for World Day Against Child Labour this year is ‘Social Justice for All; End Child Labour. It is a fact that Child labour remains a stark reality in many parts of the world, depriving millions of children of their basic rights and opportunities. They are forced into hazardous and exploitative work, sacrificing their education, health, and overall well-being. Whether it is in factories, mines, fields, or as domestic servants, child labour perpetuates a vicious cycle of poverty, illiteracy, and social inequality. We cannot turn a blind eye to this grave violation of human rights and the future potential of these innocent souls. To effectively combat child labour, it is essential to address its underlying causes. Poverty, lack of access to quality education, inadequate social protection, and weak enforcement of laws are key factors that contribute to this issue. Governments, civil society organizations, and the international community must work collaboratively to create and implement comprehensive strategies that prioritize poverty eradication, inclusive education, and social welfare systems. By tackling these root causes, we can disrupt the cycle of child labour and pave the way for a more equitable and just society. Corporations have a significant role to play in eliminating child labour. They must uphold responsible business practices, ensuring that their supply chains are free from exploitation and child labour. Ethical sourcing, transparency, and fair wages are essential principles that must guide business operations. Similarly, consumers have a responsibility to make informed choices, supporting companies that prioritize ethical production. By collectively demanding accountability and pushing for change, we can create a powerful incentive for businesses to adopt ethical practices and contribute to the eradication of child labour. Education serves as a powerful catalyst for change, enabling children to break free from the cycle of poverty and exploitation. Access to quality education equips them with the necessary skills and knowledge to pursue brighter futures. Governments must invest in robust educational systems, ensuring universal access, reducing dropout rates, and fostering an environment conducive to learning. Furthermore, awareness campaigns, community involvement, and vocational training programs are crucial in empowering families and communities to understand the value of education and prioritize it over child labour. On this World Day Against Child Labour, let us remember the millions of children who are still trapped in exploitative and dangerous work. The need of the hour is to reaffirm our commitment to ending child labour in Jammu and Kashmir and around the world, and take concrete actions to make this a reality.