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“Child labor hinders education, perpetuates the cycle of poverty, and increases the number of out-of-school children. Denying children access to education traps them in a cycle of illiteracy and limited opportunities, making it difficult to escape poverty. To break this cycle, we must prioritize education, enforce laws against child labor, and provide support systems to uplift families and ensure quality education for all. Investing in education is crucial for breaking the chains of poverty and securing a better future for children”
In a world that often overlooks the innocence and rights of children, World Child Labor Day serves as a stark reminder of the millions of children who are denied their rightful childhoods due to exploitative labor practices. According to recent estimates by the International Labor Organization (ILO), approximately 152 million children, aged between 5 and 17, are currently engaged in child labor globally. Among them, nearly half endure hazardous conditions, toiling in sectors such as agriculture, mining, manufacturing, and domestic work. These children are denied access to education, healthcare, and nurturing environments, leading to a cycle of poverty that perpetuates their exploitation. On this significant day, we pause to reflect on the progress made, acknowledge the challenges that persist, and renew our commitment to restoring the joys and freedoms that every child deserves. To put the above numbers into perspective, imagine a city larger than the combined populations of Germany and France, filled solely with children burdened by labor. The scale of this issue is a painful reminder of the urgent need to protect and restore childhood for these young souls.
For Pakistan, the day shines a spotlight on the grave issue of child labor. Despite efforts to combat this problem, countless children in the country continue to be trapped in exploitative work, deprived of their right to a childhood. In our country, an estimated 12.5 million children between the ages of 5 and 14 are engaged in labor, according to the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics. This figure accounts for approximately 11% of the country’s child population, exposing a grave violation of their rights. These children often work in hazardous conditions, including brick kilns, mines, agriculture, domestic work, and the informal sector, compromising their physical and mental well-being.
One of the most tragic consequences of child labor is the denial of education to these young individuals. According to the latest reports of UNICEF, Pakistan has the world’s second-highest number of out-of-school children (OOSC) with an estimated 22.8 million children aged 5-16 not attending school, representing 44 percent of the total population in this age group. This alarming figure highlights the urgent need to address the impact of child labor on education. The lack of access to education deepens the cycle of poverty, with illiteracy rates significantly higher among child laborers. This not only robs them of their childhood but also limits their ability to break free from low-paying and exploitative work. The long-term consequences are dire, as these children face limited employment prospects and contribute to the intergenerational transmission of poverty. The denial of education affects the individual child and undermines the overall development and prosperity of communities and the nation. Efforts to combat the impact on education must encompass strengthening laws and enforcement mechanisms, raising awareness about the importance of education, providing access to quality schooling, and implementing social protection programs to address the economic pressures that force children into labor. By investing in education and eradicating child labor, Pakistan can break the cycle of poverty, empower its future generations, and foster a society where every child can realize their full potential.
The Pakistani government, international organizations, and civil society have taken significant steps to combat child labor. Legislation such as the Employment of Children Act and the Bonded Labor System (Abolition) Act has been implemented to protect the rights of children and prevent their exploitation in the workforce. Additionally, initiatives like the National Child Labor Survey and the National Action Plan for Child Labor aim to collect data, raise awareness, and provide support to vulnerable children and their families.
International organizations such as the International Labor Organization (ILO) and UNICEF have been actively addressing child labor in Pakistan. They collaborate with the government, civil society organizations, and NGOs to develop comprehensive strategies, deliver educational and vocational training programs, and support the rescue and rehabilitation of child laborers. Their efforts focus not only on eradicating child labor but also on creating sustainable solutions to break the cycle of poverty and ensure children’s rights are protected.
Child labor is not solely a government’s responsibility but a collective societal issue that demands active participation from individuals, communities, and businesses. Efforts must be made to raise awareness, change mindsets, and create an environment where children are protected and provided with opportunities for growth and development.
On World Child Labor Day 2023, let us renew our commitment to combating child labor in Pakistan. The alarming figures of child laborers, combined with the impact on education and the prospects of these children, call for urgent action. By strengthening legislation, expanding access to education, and supporting initiatives that empower children and their families, we can work towards restoring the rights and childhoods of these young individuals. Let us stand together, raise our voices, and create a society where every child in Pakistan can grow, learn, and dream without the burden of exploitative labor.
The writer is the founder of ECO-DRIVEN, a charity startup focusing on climate change, environmental protection, and sustainability. She can be reached at info.ecodriven@gmail.com
