World Day Against Child Labour 2025, Theme, History and Significance

World Day Against Child Labour is observed every year on June 12. This day is meant to make people all over the world aware of child labour and to encourage them to take action to stop it. The United Nations believes that child labour can be ended if everyone governments and people work together to fix the main problems that cause it, like poverty and lack of education. They also say it’s important to understand that child labour is not just about work, but also about fairness and justice for all children.

World Day Against Child Labour

Child labour deprives children of their childhood, potential, and dignity, and is harmful to their physical and mental development. It includes work that is mentally, physically, socially, or morally dangerous and harmful, and often prevents children from attending school, perpetuating cycles of poverty and inequality. The day brings together governments, employers, workers, civil society, and international organisations to call for stronger policies, social protection, education, and decent work opportunities for adults and youth as a means to address the root causes of child labour.

History of World Day Against Child Labour

 World Day Against Child Labour was established by the International Labour Organization (ILO) in 2002 to focus global attention on the urgent issue of child labour and to promote efforts for its elimination. The ILO, founded in 1919, has long been at the forefront of advocating for workers’ rights and addressing labour issues worldwide. The creation of this observance was a response to the growing recognition that child labour is a grave violation of human rights and a significant barrier to sustainable development.

On this World Day, we will call for full ratification of ILO Convention No. 138 on the Minimum Age and the implementation of ILO Convention No. 182 on the Worst Forms of Child Labour. Their effective ratification and implementation remain essential to achieving the goals set by the Durban Call to Action, which urges us to aim for strengthened prevention, protection, and partnerships to eliminate child labour.

Theme of World Day Against Child Labour

This year’s theme is “Progress is clear, but there’s more to do: Let’s speed up efforts!”. The 2025 World Day will focus on a key milestone: the release of the 2025 global estimates and trends of child labour. This ILO ( International Labour Organisation) and UNICEF (United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund) joint report will provide a comprehensive overview of where we stand in our global commitments to eliminate child labour. Although the detailed data are not yet available, the estimates and trends identified will guide policy debates and calls for renewed commitment and investment.

Promote Safe and Child-Friendly Environments

Child-friendly environments ensure that children are not exposed to dangerous or exploitative labour conditions. This involves enforcing laws on minimum working age, mandatory education, and safe working conditions. Promoting safe and child-friendly environments is crucial to breaking the cycle of poverty and exploitation. It ensures that children are not forced into labour, but instead have the opportunity to learn, play, and thrive in secure surroundings. This not only benefits individual children but also contributes to healthier, more prosperous societies.

Children Deserve Books, Not Tools

Education is one of the most important parts of a child’s life. It helps children gain knowledge, learn new skills, and understand the world around them. Through education, children learn how to read, write, think clearly, and solve problems. It also builds their confidence and prepares them for a better future by opening up more job and life opportunities. Child labour has many harmful effects on children. It takes away their right to a happy and healthy childhood. Children who are forced to work often miss school, which affects their education and limits their chances for a better future.