Child labour, defined as work that deprives children of their childhood, potential, dignity, and health, is a pervasive problem globally, with an estimated 152 million children aged 5-17 engaged in child labour worldwide (ILO, 2020). This accounts for approximately 10% of the world’s child population (UNICEF, 2020). Pakistan has the second-highest number of child labourers, with approximately 12 million children involved in child labour (ILO, 2020).
According to a Force survey, 13.7% of children between the ages of 4-14 (around 8.6 million) are not in school and are engaged in child labour. This alarming rate translates to a significant denial of education, with only 3.6 million children remaining in school out of the initial 8.6 million. Moreover, 2.8 million girls are out of school (UNESCO, 2020). Globally, 64 million children are out of school, with 20 million of them living in Pakistan (UNESCO, 2020).
Poverty is a primary driver of child labour in Pakistan, where 17.2% of the population lived below the poverty line in 2008 (World Bank, 2008). A single parent earning a meager daily wage of $5 has to feed six people, and this burden is exacerbated by inflation. The lack of access to education and employment opportunities further perpetuates the cycle of poverty and child labour. Worldwide, 1 in 5 children live in extreme poverty, with 43% of children in sub-Saharan Africa living in poverty (UNICEF, 2020).
Child labour is a violation of children’s rights and has severe consequences on their physical and mental health, education, and future employment opportunities. The International Labour Organization (ILO) estimates that 2,700 children die every year due to work-related accidents, and many more suffer from injuries and illnesses (ILO, 2020).
Globally, efforts are being made to combat child labour, with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) aiming to eradicate child labour by 2025 (UN, 2015). The ILO’s Minimum Age Convention sets the minimum age for employment at 15 years, and the Worst Forms of Child Labour Convention prohibits the employment of children in hazardous occupations (ILO, 2020). In Pakistan, the Government is introducing new legislation, such as the Punjab Child Labour Bill 2024, to prohibit the employment of children in hazardous occupations and ensure their access to education.
However, more needs to be done to address the root causes of child labour, including poverty and lack of access to education. The Government must prioritize education and provide free and compulsory education to all children up to the age of 16. Additionally, awareness campaigns and community engagement programs are necessary to educate parents, shopkeepers, and business owners about the importance of not employing children and instead hiring qualified individuals.
As I witness a child collecting garbage daily near my house, I am reminded of the urgent need to address this issue. Let us work together to ensure that every child in Pakistan has access to education and a childhood free from exploitation.
Child labour is a complex issue that requires a multifaceted approach to address. It is not only a matter of legislation and policy, but also of social and cultural change. We must work together to create a society that values education and the well-being of children, and that provides opportunities for all children to reach their full potential.