Empowerment Begins When Child Labour Ends
On June 12, we commemorate the World Day Against Child Labour, a global observance dedicated to raising awareness and mobilizing efforts to eradicate child labour. This initiative was launched by the International Labour Organization (ILO), a specialized United Nations (UN) agency that promotes rights at work and fights labour abuses, especially those affecting children.
According to a report by the ILO and the United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund (UNICEF), more than 160 million children worldwide (1 in 10) are forced into child labour. Nearly half of these children are between the ages of 5 and 11, with the majority working in agriculture (farming, fishing, forestry, and livestock). Africa, Asia, and the Pacific region account for almost 90% of all child labour cases worldwide.
Ending child labour requires strong advocacy for education and dedicated support for vulnerable children.
The Power of Education
Education is one of the most effective tools to break the cycle of child labour and poverty. The ILO and UNICEF highlight that children who attend school are significantly less likely to be exploited for labour and are more likely to escape generational poverty. At Muslim Hands Canada, we run educational initiatives in communities across the world to empower children and their families. Learn more about our transformative Education Fund.
Protecting Vulnerable Children from Exploitation
Orphans are especially vulnerable. By lacking stable family structures, income, and legal protection, orphans are often pushed into exploitative work just to survive. Our Orphan Sponsorship Program helps keep children in school while also providing essentials such as nutritious meals and healthcare. Most importantly, our sponsorship programs provide support and safety, keeping orphans protected so they aren’t forced to fend for themselves.
Disability can compound a child’s vulnerability, especially when inclusive systems are not in place. Excluded from many educational and social services, they tend to be at a higher risk of neglect and exploitation. Our Children with Disabilities Sponsorship Program offers tailored support, such as access to specialized learning resources, healthcare, and mobility assistance. By sponsoring these children, we help break down barriers, build their confidence, and ensure they are included, protected, and given the chance to thrive.
A Call to Action
In Gaza and Yemen, conflict has depleted the systems that protect children. The current geopolitical climate in these regions, makes child labour a survival mechanism for families. The sad reality is that during prolonged crises, exploitative child labour almost becomes normalized.
Addressing child labour requires comprehensive and enforceable policy changes. It is essential for governments to implement and uphold legislation that establishes a minimum working age and bans dangerous forms of labour. Equally critical is the expansion of access to education and social services, which helps reduce the dependence on child labour.
This World Day Against Child Labour, let’s remember the millions of children robbed of their childhoods. The children forced to support their families and working in dangerous conditions for little or no pay. By investing in education, supporting vulnerable children, and advocating for systemic change, we can help break cycles of poverty and exploitation.
Together, we can rewrite the future for children — a future without child labour.
