Observed annually on June 12th, World Day Against Child Labour underscores the importance of safeguarding children’s rights to education and a safe childhood. Child labor, defined as work inappropriate for a child’s age or development, poses significant physical and psychological risks. In India, the constitution strictly prohibits children under 14 from working in hazardous environments. The International Labour Organisation (ILO) extends this protection to those under 18 for dangerous work.
June 12, 2025, will mark the 26th anniversary of international agreements designed to combat the worst forms of child labor. This day encourages governments, organizations, and communities to reinforce two critical conventions:
* Convention No. 182, focused on eliminating the worst forms of child labor.
* Convention No. 138, which sets the minimum age for employment.
Despite considerable progress, UNICEF reports that approximately 138 million children worldwide are still engaged in some form of work, with 54 million facing hazardous conditions.
The 2025 theme, “Progress is clear, but there’s more to do: let’s speed up efforts!” highlights the ongoing need for accelerated action. The World Day Against Child Labour unites global efforts to eradicate child labor. The following quotes can be used to raise awareness:
* “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.”
