#ENDCHILDLABOR

152 million children are forced to work instead of getting an education. Almost half of child labor happens in Africa (72 million children), followed by Asia and the Pacific (62 million). Half of these children are susceptible to dangerous situations that affect their health and futures. The rate of child labor is the worst in sub-Saharan Africa, including Ghana, Nepal, and Uganda. Because of the COVID-19 crisis, there was a drastic increase in poverty to these already vulnerable populations and may reverse years of progress in the fight against child labor. School closures have made the situation worse and many millions of children have to work to contribute to the family income. Whether they work as vendors, in agriculture, or in construction, their health continues to deteriorate.

With this violation of basic children’s rights, the United Nations’ International Labor Organization launched the International Year for the Elimination of Child Labor to encourage legislative actions to end child labor globally. With these aims, it calls for immediate action to end forced labor, modern slavery, and human trafficking while also getting rid of the worst forms of child labor, including the use of child soldiers. These actions have a goal to end child labor in all forms by 2025. The UN urges governments to participate and handle this issue within their own countries.

We encourage everyone reading this to educate themselves, spread awareness, donate if possible, and speak out to encourage change. Children need to be children and should not have to worry about bringing money and food home for their families. Children’s futures are being destroyed as families remain in poverty. We all must take action in helping these children and bringing about change. Humaniam is an organization that aims to eradicate child labor by providing them with humanitarian aid. They help children continue their education and receive physical and emotional support. You can become a member, volunteer, sponsor a child, or make a donation for projects. Anything, as little as spreading awareness or sharing this post, is helpful.

https://www.humanium.org/en/participate/

#Endchildlabor