In 2020 this day will focus on the impact of crisis on child labour. The COVID-19 health pandemic and the resulting economic and labour market shock are having a huge impact on people’s lives and livelihoods. Unfortunately, children are often the first to suffer. The crisis has caused millions of vulnerable children into child labour.
It is believed that there are an estimated 152 million children in child labour, 72 million of which are in hazardous work. These children are now at an even greater risk of facing circumstances that are ever more difficult and enduring longer hours of work.
As Brigidine women with a long tradition of education these matters concern us because we know that children who are in school are less likely to fall victims of child labour. In times of crisis, continuity of education is of crucial importance. With COVID-19, in many countries, schools are closed, and children who were already working part of their time or who are at risk of child labour may never return to school. Many children who combined school and work have
lost their learning and protective environment and may have to work longer hours to help their families.
The UN General Assembly has declared 2021 the International Year for the Elimination of Child Labour.
To what awareness or action might this call us?
In what ways might we as individuals and Communities dedicate some of our resources to support groups working to bring an end to child labour?
