The most recent global estimates suggest some 120 million children between the ages of 5 and 14 are involved in child labour, with boys and girls in this age group almost equally affected.
This persistence of child labour is rooted in poverty and lack of decent work for adults, lack of social protection, and a failure to ensure that all children are attending school through to the legal minimum age for admission to employment. The International Day against Child Labour, to be observed on June 12 every year, highlights the plight of the children who sacrifice their innocence and basic rights for contributing their share in household income. This year `World Day Against Child Labour’ will focus particularly on the importance of quality education as a key step in tackling child labour. It is very timely to do so, as in 2015 the international community will be reviewing reasons for the failure to reach development targets on education and will be setting new goals and strategies.
This year the day will call for free, compulsory and quality education for all children at least to the minimum age for admission to employment and action to reach those presently in child labour. It also aimed on new efforts to ensure that national policies on child labour and education are consistent and effective and ensure access to quality education and investment in the teaching profession.
