Pandemic inverts movement against child labour

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Pandemic inverts movement against child labour
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  • Pandemic inverts movement against child labour

In the previous 20 years, the struggle against child labour has made great progress. But there is a very serious possibility of going backwards because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

 

Child labour may deteriorate and positive trends may stall, especially in countries where it has resisted reform. We need to take urgent action to avoid and lessen the harm the pandemic has done to children and their families.

 

The full effects of the pandemic are still unknown. However, some of the consequences are quite evident.

 

The pandemic has severely disrupted supply networks, putting industry on hold. Economic uncertainty has grown. Financial markets in many nations are being constrained by tightening credit. Government spending is unable to catch up.

 

There is no denying how serious the current situation is. The pandemic’s progress and effects can now be determined by decisions that countries make. These decisions must involve deliberate steps to end child labour.

 

Opportunities may present themselves to stop children from returning to work in situations when child labour has temporarily decreased, for instance owing to mobility limitations. Deliberate decisions should be made to reduce these dangers, such as extending social protection for low-income families. Potentially drastic decrease in public funding might worsen children’s exposure to dangerous and exploitative types of labour.

 

According to a research by the International Labour Organization (ILO) and UNICEF, the pandemic would put an extra 9 million children at danger of being forced into child labour worldwide by the end of 2022. The pandemic-related economic crises and school closures in India are likely factors contributing to child labour and dangerous migration. This would also push children deeper into poverty.

 

India is struggling with the deterioration of the child labour problem despite its legal restrictions and measures against it. Many more children have fallen into the trap of forced labour. The conditions for the existing child labourers have gotten worse. As a result, children’s access to school, basic nourishment, and other necessities for their growth and wellness have suffered a significant setback.

 

Smile Foundation has been actively raising voice against child labour in its campaigns. Through our online donation programme, you can support children in breaking free from the grip of poverty. Your donation will make sure underprivileged children have access to dietary assistance, healthcare, and education throughout every stage of their life.

Click here to learn more.

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