Question

Why should child labour be eliminated and how?

Answer 1

Hint: Child labour refers to the exploitation of children through any sort of work that deprives children of their childhood, interferes with their ability to attend regular school, and is hazardous to their mental, physical, social, and moral well-being. Worldwide, such exploitation is outlawed by law.

Complete answer:
Around one in every four children in the world's poorest countries is involved in child labour, with Sub-Saharan Africa having the highest rate (29 percent). In 2017, almost half of children aged 5 to 14 worked in four African countries (Mali, Benin, Chad, and Guinea-Bissau). Agriculture is the world's greatest employer of children. The great majority of child labour occurs in rural areas and in informal urban economies, with youngsters working mostly for their parents rather than in factories. Child labour is said to be mostly caused by poverty and a lack of access to education.

Because youngsters worked as household servants, dishwashers at roadside dhabas, and in hazardous businesses creating glass bangles, biris, crackers, and other items lose the joy of their youth, child labour should be abolished. Their childhood has been taken from them. They become grownups far too soon, burdened by the responsibilities of a job. They are mostly malnourished, ill-fed, illiterate, and impoverished. Their growth is slowed.

The steps required to eliminate child labour:
- Child labour can only be eradicated if government agencies, NGOs (Non-Governmental Organizations), cooperative societies, and political leaders work together.
- Programs and rules are needed in society to enable parents to earn enough money to sustain their family without relying on their children's labour. It becomes an "economic necessity" only when a country permits it.
- People, particularly girls, require improved education and career opportunities. This not only provides them with extra money, but it also allows them to postpone childbearing. Families are wealthier and have fewer children.
- Children who have been laid off should be rehabilitated and provided with adequate food, clothing, education, and pocket money. It is necessary to respect their feelings, opinions, and emotions. Allow them to take in the sunshine and fresh air.
- Education should be compulsory in society. It not only looks after children during the day so that parents can work, but it also educates them so that they may get better-paying jobs later in life.

Note: According to the World Bank, the global frequency of child labour declined from 25% to 10% between 1960 and 2003. Despite this, the total number of child labourers remains high, with UNICEF and the ILO estimating that 168 million children aged 5 to 17 worked as minors in 2013.