12th annual World Day Against Child Labor

Hundreds of millions of girls and boys around the world are engaged in menial labor, often in situations that deprive them of adequate education, health care, basic freedoms and time to play, violating their rights. More than half this number of children are exposed to hazardous environments, forms of forced labor and slavery, illegal activities such as drug trafficking and prostitution, as well as involvement in armed conflict.

The International Labour Organization, an agency of the United Nations, started the first World Day Against Child Labor in 2002 as a way to call attention to this situation. Observed on June 12, World Day Against Child Labor is intended to serve as a catalyst for a growing worldwide movement against it. Advocates claim some victory, from the huge number of ratifications of ILO Convention No. 182, on the worst forms of child labor, and ILO Convention No. 138, on the minimum age for employment.

Learn more about the World Day Against Child Labor and its partners, including schools and youth and women's groups involved in the campaign.

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