Work that robs children of their youth, potential, and value as individuals and is detrimental to their physical and mental development is also known as “child labour.”Millions of children including those as young as seven, remain to work in mines, coal mines, factories, farms, and companies in developing nations, where labour is much more common. In particular, Middle Eastern countries account for over 10% of the labour force, whereas in much of Latin America and some parts of Asia, they vary between 2% to 10%. Their employment and working circumstances are governed by few if any, laws. Family poverty and a lack of schools make restrictive regulations unworkable.
By clarifying the term child labour, we can better frame the criticisms that should be pointed against companies. Because not all children who work are engaging in child labour. The ILO has established an international standard, despite the fact that these standards may change according to the laws of the region. Many children are actively engaged as labourers under the ownership of numerous well-known businesses. They frequently cite fast fashion companies like Nike, Ikea, Shein, Zara, H&M, Calvin Klein, and many more as examples of these brands. Only in the pay of these companies in underdeveloped nations is child labour found, not in the home countries of these brands. For instance, child labour is not common in Italy, but it is in Bangladesh’s stores for the same brand. This is barely a coincidence, in my opinion. Child labour is more common as a result of the economy of developing countries, but is it really the fault of the businesses that employ children or is it the governments of those nations that allow child labour? It would be unwise to blame companies for this predicament since if they are, they also get the right to participate in the inner affairs of that nation. Of course, there should be consequences for not keeping an eye on things or ignoring them, but condemnations or shop closures have little impact on such well-known firms. In other words, while things are improving a little bit here, I am confident that if international standards, inspections, and donations are offered, child labour will be significantly decreased. The steps required to guarantee that the target market would keep purchasing from these companies should be worldwide, not specific. While giving money will be considerably more beneficial, you may still make a little difference by refraining from purchasing from these companies. Supporting children at school, where they should be working, instead of paying them two cents less and making a profit.
Harming our children, and those who are our future is not worth the short-term gains and cruel working conditions. Visit the websites below to learn more about this issue and how you think you can help!
- https://www.thekidsrightschangemakers.org/en/your-rights/child-labour?gclid=CjwKCAjw9J2iBhBPEiwAErwpeWuGEhfZR91B5q1wRPKkMs9Y2irayWlZO1ADJDrHfoog1043gXW8DBoCpikQAvD_BwE
- https://www.ilo.org/ipec/facts/lang–en/index.htm
- https://www.ilo.org/global/standards/subjects-covered-by-international-labour-standards/child-labour/lang–en/index.htm
- https://emmanuelosemotafoundation.org/stophumantrafficking/?gclid=CjwKCAjw9J2iBhBPEiwAErwpefSUJ00eE0Kvh8YtB8TMwm9SJ8-9Mbaiql6ysW37qLUAOAkkzf6z1RoCS5EQAvD_BwE