The World Day Against Child Labour, commemorated on June 12 each year, is dedicated to promoting a world where children are free from work and have access to education and a normal childhood. Child labor encompasses any work that is detrimental to a child’s age, development, or well-being. In India, legal and constitutional provisions prohibit children under 14 from engaging in hazardous work, aligning with ILO standards which extend protection to those under 18.
June 12, 2025, marks the 26th anniversary of key international agreements aimed at eliminating the worst forms of child labor. This day encourages governments, organizations, and communities to adhere to and support Conventions No. 182 (on the worst forms of child labor) and No. 138 (on the minimum age for employment).
While progress has been made, UNICEF reports that a significant number of children worldwide remain victims of child labor. The theme for 2025 is “Progress is clear, but there’s more to do: let’s speed up efforts!” This underscores the need for sustained and accelerated efforts. The World Day Against Child Labour is a platform to unite global efforts against child labor.
Here are some impactful quotes:
* “Every child deserves a childhood, not child labour.”
* “Stop child labour — let children learn and grow.”
* “Protect children’s rights, end child labour now.”
* “Education is the key to ending child labour.”
* “Together, we can create a world free of child labour.”