World Day Against Child Labour

World Day Against Child Labour History

World Day Against Child Labour is an international observance aimed at raising awareness and encouraging actions to address the global issue of child labour. Established by the International Labour Organization (ILO), the day highlights the plight of millions of children being forced to work all over the world, often in dangerous and harmful conditions. It encourages worldwide proactivity, bringing governments, social groups, and individuals together to create and promote strategies to improve their lives and restore their rights as children.

Originally launched in 2002 by the ILO, World Day Against Child Labour serves as a fundamental reminder of the organisation's goal to eliminate child labour in all its forms by 2025. While the prevalence of child labour may not appear significant in Australia, the country is not immune to the issue, with some children still being subjected to exploitation or falling victims to illegal employment practices. Moreover, Australian consumers have a significant global impact, as the goods produced by child labour, such as clothing, food, and electronics, are imported and consumed by the Australian market. This interconnectedness makes it essential for Australians to be aware, engaged, and active in the fight against child labour.

On World Day Against Child Labour various activities tailored to educate and inspire change are held across the nation. These can include panel discussions, educational seminars, fundraisers, and social media campaigns to raise awareness about the issue and emphasise Australian consumers' responsibility. By actively participating in the observance, Australians can contribute to international efforts in eradicating child labour and create a positive change for the millions of vulnerable children worldwide. The World Day Against Child Labour is observed annually on June 12th.

World Day Against Child Labour facts

• Boys are more likely to be engaged in hazardous work and sectors such as agriculture, while girls are more prevalent in domestic work and informal sectors.
• According to the UN, there are an estimated 160 million children between the ages of 5-17 still engaged in child labor around the world.
• The agriculture sector has the highest number of child laborers globally. It employs around 70% of child laborers, mainly in activities such as farming, livestock, fishing, and forestry.
• One area of concern within Australia regarding child labor is within Indigenous communities, where the socio-economic gap and social disadvantage increase the vulnerability to child labor.
• In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Australian children were employed in various sectors, including agriculture, mining, and manufacturing.

In the News and Trending in Australia for World Day Against Child Labour

Top things to do in Australia for World Day Against Child Labour

• Learn how you can get involved and help end child labor.
• Donate to reputable charities working to end child labor. Some examples include the Global March Against Child Labor and the Stop Child Labor Coalition.
• Watch a documentary to learn more about the history of child labour in Australia. Here are our top picks:
  1. The Colony (2015)- This Australian documentary explores the issue of child labor in Australia during the 19th and early 20th centuries. The film focuses on the experiences of children who worked in various industries, including agriculture, mining, and manufacturing.
  2. The Cardboard Cloud (2018)- This short film tells the story of Australian children who were forced to work in harsh conditions during the Great Depression. The film sheds light on the hardships faced by these children and explores the responses of the Australian government and society to the issue of child labor.
  3. The Forgotten Australians (2004)- This documentary examines the experiences of British child migrants who were brought to Australia as part of a government scheme to increase the country's population. Many of these children experienced abuse and exploitation while working in various institutions in Australia, including orphanages and foster homes.
• Read a book to learn more about the history of child labour in Australia. Here are our suggestions:
  1. Child Labor in Australia: The Regulation of Work Performed by Children by Carolyn Hamilton
  2. A concise history of child labor in Australia by Cyril Pearl
  3. Child Labour in Australia: Past and Present by Joy Damousi, Colin Krechmer and Gary Neville