CHILD LABOUR:

A GLOBAL
CHALLENGE

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Name:
Stavya Agarwal
Class:
12th
Roll Number:
25672338
School Name:
Aryabhatta International School,
Moradabad

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 Acknowledgment
I would like to express my sincere gratitude to all the
people who have supported and guided me in
completing this project.
First and foremost, I would like to thank my teacher
for their valuable guidance and feedback throughout
the project.
I also want to thank my parents for their constant
encouragement and support.
Lastly, I would like to thank my friends and
classmates who helped me with the research and
ideas for this project.

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Introduction Pg. 1

Main Content Pg. 2

Causes of Child Pg. 3

Labour
Consequences of Pg. 5
Child Labour
Solutions to Pg. 7
Eliminate Child
Labour
Conclusion Pg. 9

Bibliography Pg. 10

INDEX

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 Introduction
Child labour is one of the most critical issues that the
world faces today. Despite various measures being
taken by governments and NGOs, millions of
children continue to be subjected to work that
deprives them of their childhood, education, and
basic rights. This project aims to explore the issue of
child labour, its causes, consequences, and the
measures that can be taken to prevent it. The purpose
of this project is to raise awareness and encourage
action towards eradicating child labour.
Objectives:
 To understand the causes of child labour.
 To analyze the consequences of child labour on
children and society.
 To explore global and local initiatives to combat
child labour.
 To raise awareness about the importance of
education in preventing child labour.

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 Main Content
Q. What is Child Labour?

The term “child labour” is often defined as work that deprives children
of their childhood, their potential and their dignity, and that is harmful to
physical and mental development. It refers to work that:

 It is mentally, physically, socially or morally dangerous and harmful to

children; and/or
 It interferes with their schooling by: depriving them of the opportunity to
attend school; obliging them to leave school prematurely; or requiring
them to attempt to combine school attendance with excessively long and
heavy work.

Whether or not particular forms of “work” can be called “child labour”

depends on the child’s age, the type and hours of work performed, the
conditions under which it is performed and the objectives pursued by
individual countries. The answer varies from country to country, as well
as among sectors within countries.

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 Causes of Child Labour
1. Poverty: One of the primary causes of child labour is poverty.
Families facing economic hardships often force their children to
work in order to survive.

A cross-sectional study was conducted to correlate poverty and

child labor. The study was conducted in the Malir district of
Karachi, Pakistan, between April–July 2008. By systematic
random sampling, 200 children between ages of 5–15 years were
selected from among the working children in the district.

2. Lack of Education: In many underdeveloped areas, education is

either not accessible or not prioritized, leading children to take up
work at a young age.

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3.Cultural Practices: In certain regions, child labour is seen as a
traditional practice, with children following in the footsteps of their
parents in industries like agriculture and domestic work.

4.Weak Law Enforcement: In countries where laws against child

labour are weak or not enforced, children are vulnerable to exploitation.

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 Consequences of Child Labour
Child labour is a pressing issue with far-reaching consequences that
affect not just the children involved but also society as a whole. Its
implications are profound, encompassing physical, psychological,
educational, social, and economic dimensions.

1. Physical and Mental Health Consequences

Children forced into labor are often exposed to hazardous environments and tasks
that are beyond their physical capacity. Many work in industries like mining,
agriculture, and construction, where they are exposed to toxic substances, heavy
machinery, and long working hours. These conditions lead to physical injuries,
chronic illnesses, and in severe cases, permanent disabilities. For instance, child
workers in mining are prone to respiratory problems due to prolonged exposure to
dust and chemicals.

Additionally, the mental health of child laborers is severely impacted. Constant

stress, abuse, and exploitation leave them traumatized, leading to anxiety,
depression, and low self-esteem. They are deprived of a nurturing childhood,
which affects their emotional well-being and personal development.

2. Denial of Education

One of the most significant consequences of child labor is the denial of education.
Children who work full-time have little to no opportunity to attend school or
acquire basic literacy and numeracy skills. Without education, their chances of
breaking out of the cycle of poverty diminish significantly. This lack of education
also prevents them from accessing better job opportunities in the future,
perpetuating a cycle of poverty for generations.

Moreover, missing out on education hinders their ability to develop critical

thinking and social skills. They are deprived of the chance to explore their

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potential, leading to a loss of human capital that affects not just the individual but
also the economic growth of the country.

3. Social Consequences

Child labor perpetuates inequality and social injustice. Exploiting children for
labor normalizes the violation of their rights and reinforces the power imbalance
between the wealthy and the poor. This exploitation undermines efforts to create an
equitable society and fosters social division.

Furthermore, child labor contributes to issues like child trafficking and

exploitation. Many children are forced into bonded labor or pushed into illegal
activities, including begging and prostitution. These circumstances lead to long-
term social stigma and discrimination, further alienating them from mainstream
society.

4. Economic Consequences

The economic consequences of child labor are paradoxical. While it may provide
short-term income for families, it has long-term detrimental effects on the
economy. A workforce that includes uneducated and unskilled individuals limits
productivity and innovation. Countries with high child labor rates often struggle
with stagnant economic growth due to the lack of skilled labor.

Additionally, industries that rely on cheap child labor discourage technological

advancements and investment in mechanization. This reliance on outdated
practices further hampers economic progress and global competitiveness.

5. Impact on Society

Child labor creates a society that tolerates the exploitation of vulnerable groups. By
depriving children of their fundamental rights, it weakens societal values and
undermines the principles of justice and fairness. A society that fails to protect its
children risks perpetuating cycles of poverty, crime, and inequality.

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 Solutions for Child Labour
Child labour is a complex problem that requires multi-faceted solutions involving
governments, organizations, communities, and individuals. Effective measures can
eradicate child labour and provide children with the opportunity to grow, learn, and
lead dignified lives.

1. Strengthening Laws and Policies

Governments must enforce stringent laws to prohibit child labour. Existing laws
like the Child Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Act and the Right to Education
Act in India must be implemented rigorously. Penalties for violations should be
strict, ensuring that employers do not exploit children.

Moreover, countries should align their laws with international frameworks like the
International Labour Organization (ILO) conventions, particularly Convention 138
(minimum age for employment) and Convention 182 (worst forms of child labour).

2. Promoting Education

Free and quality education is one of the most effective tools to combat child
labour. Governments must allocate resources to improve access to schools,
especially in rural and economically disadvantaged areas. Incentives like free mid-
day meals, school uniforms, and learning materials can encourage families to send
their children to school instead of work.

Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) can also play a crucial role by

establishing bridge schools and informal learning centres for child labourers who
have missed years of education. Vocational training programs can help older
children gain employable skills without being forced into labour.

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3. Poverty Alleviation Programs

Poverty is a significant root cause of child labour. Governments and international

organizations must work to create economic opportunities for families, ensuring
they do not depend on their children’s earnings. Initiatives like microfinance
programs, skill development workshops, and livelihood support for parents can
reduce the economic burden on families.

Additionally, social protection schemes such as direct cash transfers, food security
programs, and affordable healthcare can alleviate poverty and protect children
from being pushed into the workforce.

4. Raising Awareness

Awareness campaigns are vital to change societal attitudes toward child labour.
Communities must be educated about the harmful effects of child labour on
children’s health, education, and future. Media campaigns, workshops, and school
programs can help spread awareness.

Encouraging community participation in monitoring and reporting child labour can

also help identify cases and take swift action. Religious leaders, community elders,
and local influencers can be powerful advocates for this cause.

5. Role of Corporations and Supply Chains

Corporations must ensure their supply chains are free from child labour. Adopting
ethical practices, conducting regular audits, and ensuring transparency can
discourage the use of child labour. Consumers also have a role to play by
supporting companies with ethical labor practices and boycotting products that
exploit children.

International certifications like Fair Trade and GoodWeave can be promoted to

ensure child labour-free products.

6. Involvement of NGOs and International Organizations

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NGOs and international organizations like UNICEF, Save the Children, and ILO
are instrumental in fighting child labour. They provide rehabilitation programs for
rescued children, offer educational support, and advocate for policy changes.

Conclusion
Child labour is a grave challenge that deprives children of their fundamental rights
and hinders societal progress. It stems from poverty, lack of education, and weak
enforcement of laws, creating long-lasting consequences for individuals and
economies. By strengthening laws, promoting education, addressing poverty, and
raising awareness, we can pave the way toward eradicating this menace. Collective
efforts from governments, communities, corporations, and individuals are vital to
ensuring a brighter future for every child.

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 Bibliography
1. International Labour Organization (ILO). "Child Labour: Global Estimates
2020, Trends and the Road Forward." Retrieved from
https://data.unicef.org/resources/child-labour-2020-global-estimates-trends-
and-the-road-forward/
2. UNICEF. "Child Labour Statistics." Retrieved from
https://data.unicef.org/topic/child-protection/child-labour/
3. Ministry of Labour and Employment, India. "About Child Labour."
Retrieved from https://labour.gov.in/childlabour/about-child-labour
4. U.S. Department of Labor. "Sweat & Toil: Child Labor, Forced Labor, and
Human Trafficking." Retrieved from https://www.dol.gov/general/apps/ilab
5. Our World in Data. "Child Labor." Retrieved from
https://ourworldindata.org/child-labor
6. Human Rights Watch. "India: Child Labor Law Welcomed, But Needs
Enforcing." Retrieved from https://www.hrw.org/news/2006/10/05/india-
child-labor-law-welcomed-needs-enforcing
7. International Labour Organization (ILO). "Child Labour Statistics and
Research." Retrieved from https://www.ilo.org/topics/child-labour/child-
labour-statistics-and-research
8. United Nations. "World Day Against Child Labour." Retrieved from
https://www.un.org/en/observances/world-day-against-child-labour
9. Jibble. "India Child Labour Laws." Retrieved from
https://www.jibble.io/labor-laws/india-labour-laws/child-labour-laws
10.Vogue Business. "The Overlooked Child Labour Problem in Fashion's
Supply Chain." Retrieved from
https://www.voguebusiness.com/story/sustainability/the-overlooked-child-
labour-problem-in-fashions-supply-chain

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