The strong appeal urgent action at the conference in Durban, aimed at combating the growing number of children forced into work.
The latest figures show that 160 million children – almost 1 in 10 worldwide – is still affected. Furthermore, the numbers are increasing, with the raging pandemic reversing years of progress, as child labor becomes an even greater scourge, particularly among the most vulnerable 5 to 11 year olds. damage.
Making the difference
Speaking at the start of a week of discussions on the hybrid format, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa called on delegates to commit to taking “far-reaching actions” to make a difference in children’s lives.
“We are here because we share the same belief that child labor in all its aspects is the enemy. Child labor is the enemy of child development and the enemy of progress.
“No civilization, no nation and no economy can consider itself at the forefront of progress if its success and wealth is built on the backs of children.”
Mr. Ramaphosa’s appeal was made by Guy Ryder, Director General of the International Labor Organization (International Labor Organization).ILO), who emphasized that “Child labor is a violation of basic human rights and our goal should be that every child, everywhere, does not have that right. We cannot rest until that happens.”
According to ILO, global progress against child labor stalled for the first time in 2020, after two decades on track. Besides, COVID-19 The crisis may have pushed millions more children into the workforce.
First in Africa
This is the first time the Global Conference on the Elimination of Child Labor has been held in Africa, the region with the highest number of child laborers and the slowest progress, the ILO notes.
According to recent data, most child labor on the continent – about 70% – is in the agricultural sector, often where children are working alongside other family members.
The Conference builds on four previous Global Conferences, held in Buenos Aires (2017), Brasilia (2013), The Hague (2010) and Oslo (1997), to raise awareness of the issue. , assess progress, mobilize resources and set strategic direction for the global movement against child labor.
Call to action
With United Nations Sustainable Development Goals 2025 With the deadline approaching for the abolition of child labor, many speakers highlighted the urgent need to restore progress made in many regions, prior to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The conference is expected to end with a The call to action outlines specific commitments to scale up action to eliminate child labor.
