The ‘World Day Against Child Labor ‘observed on 12th June every year, across the country with an objective of raising awareness about the plight of child laborers. Many children due to socio-economic conditions and extreme poverty not able to go to school and neither able to enjoy their childhood, they are forced to work at an early age to earn and support their family.

While eradication of societal evils and alleviation of poverty remains a top priority to address this problem, creating awareness against the issue and discouraging demand for child labor also goes a long way. In line with this, the International Labour Organisation (ILO) introduced World Day against Child Labour in 2002 to focus attention on the global extent of child labour and the action and efforts needed to eliminate it. This year’s the theme is ‘Children shouldn’t work in fields, but on dreams’. As per the ILO, the definition of child labour is “work that deprives children of their childhood, their potential, and their dignity, and that is harmful to physical and mental development”.

Sustainable Development Goal (SDG’s) also urges the citizens of the world to “Take immediate and effective measures to eradicate forced labour, end modern slavery and human trafficking and secure the prohibition and elimination of the worst forms of child labour, including recruitment and use of child soldiers, and by 2025 end child labour in all its forms.”

Children are the future of the world. However, when they are forced into labour, their mental and physical growth is impeded. The child is unable to go to school and is deprived of his/her right to education. This is only one of the many fundamental rights that gets violated when a child is forced to work. Unfortunately, the harsh reality is that more than 200 million children are engaged in labour today. As per Census 2011, the total child population in India in the age group (5-14) years is 259.6 million. Of these, 10.1 million (3.9% of total child population) are working, either as ‘main worker’ or as ‘marginal worker’. In addition, more than 42.7 million children in India are out of school. The children are mostly engaged in agricultural fields, roadside eateries, embroidery, mining, firework factories, incense factories, and brick making factories.

Though the country has many law’s and acts to control the Child labour, however, the reality of the situation is that child labour has its roots deep in the cultural traditions of our country and for poverty-stricken families, that extra income is the only thing between life and death. Therefore, it is important that we raise awareness about this issue and strive to make India a place where child labor is never a necessary evil.

Caritas India observed the day at its own level under the banner of various running programmes, across the country through various activities such as street play on child labor theme, rally against child labor, drawing competition, games, session and talk on child labor, child education, sensitization and awareness programmes at school level etc.

In different parts of the country, Caritas India through its partners observed the World Day against Child Labour. Seva Kendra Silchar (SKS) in Assam has orientated children on the significance of the day and shared the theme’ Children shouldn’t work in fields but on Dreams’, the menace and causes of child labor, importance of Education, games and other activities were conducted, and winners received the prizes by the guest.

NEDAN foundation in Kokrajhar, Assam organized an awareness program for school students and teachers of Bishmuri Bathou Ashram, Kokrajhar. Around 95 people participated in the event. The day was observed by giving its historical background and sharing of the child labor prohibition act,1986 amended in 2016. The CHILDLINE representative talked on the significance of 1098 toll-free helpline number, its operation and how one can seek help from the service.

In Kalimpong, Bundapani Gram Panchayat and Siliguri partners organized Street play, awareness campaign, rally, drawing competition for the children and conducted a session on the importance of the day and child rights. Around 275 people participated in the programme

Gorubathan at Kalimpong also celebrated the day in a unique way, the block level children club members themselves managed to mobilize the fund for the programme and other logistics. The guest for the day was facilitated and welcomed with the traditional gift and welcome dance performed by children.  “Every child no matter caste and creed, deserve a safe and loving environment where he/she can grow and prosper” shared Master Navraj from children parliament. He also urges children for their proactive participation and requested parents and guardians to make it a priority to give children what they deserve.

Similarly, ‘Swaraksha’ an anti-human trafficking programme in Uttar Pradesh observed the day by organizing drawing competition reflecting the message of child labor, Youth Speaking in Seminar against child labor, Workshop on Child Labor in Schools, Signature Campaigns against Child Labor & addressing the vendors & public through Rallies with slogans & sharing the legal action against child labor, counseling parents on educating children & sensitizing child parliament & youth groups to mobilize families of drop out children & child labor.

People collectively took the pledge on not taking the service of any hotel, restaurant or shops where children are deployed to serve. It was felt that a strong Networking with various government departments like police, district collectors, panchayat, local bodies, and NGOs can help to form a team where many problems can be solved. NGOs can help in a greater way to advocate about the Children’s issues at the societal level.

Student and general community realized the significance and importance of the day. Teachers appreciated the efforts taken by the organization to observe the day and enhance the knowledge on the subject.