The COVID-19 pandemic has brought bizarre challenges to societies worldwide. Beyond the health crisis, its ripple effects have exposed vulnerabilities in various aspects of human life. Unfortunately, one such consequence has been the surge of child labour behind closed doors.
According to the United Nations, for almost two decades, since 2000, significant strides have been made worldwide to diminish the prevalence of child labour. However, the global landscape has been marred by conflicts, crises, and the far-reaching impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. As a result, an alarming number of families have been pushed further into poverty, forcing millions of children to engage in exploitative child labour. Despite some economic growth, it has proven inadequate in scope and inclusivity, failing to alleviate the mounting pressures experienced by numerous families and communities, which subsequently lead them to employ children as labourers.
Today, 160 million children are still engaged in child labour, and 79 million of them perform hazardous work. Over the past four years, the number of children has risen by 8.4 million, and the COVID-19 pandemic has put millions more at risk. Africa ranks highest among regions both in the percentage of children in child labour — one-fifth — and the absolute number of children in child labour — 72 million. Almost one in every ten children is a victim of child labour worldwide. Progress in the global fight against child labour has stalled for the first time in two decades, it finds, putting the international community’s goal of ending child labour by 2025 at risk.
This hidden crisis has exacerbated an already grave issue, jeopardising the rights and well-being of millions of children globally. This article reveals the factors that contributed to the surge of child labour during the pandemic and discusses the urgent need for action to address this concerning trend.
Impact of Economic Hardship
The economic downturn caused by the pandemic has plunged many families into poverty, compelling them to resort to desperate measures to survive. With unemployment rates soaring and income sources drying up, parents often find themselves with no choice but to send their children to work. The closure of schools and disruption of social services have further limited alternatives for these families, leaving them trapped in a cycle of exploitation. The dire economic circumstances have created a fertile ground for the resurgence of child labour.
Breakdown of Education
Education is a crucial component of a child's development, providing them with opportunities for a better future. However, the closure of schools as a measure to curb the spread of Coronavirus has disrupted access to education for millions of children. The shift to remote learning has proven challenging, particularly for marginalised communities without access to technology or stable internet connections. Many children have been forced to abandon their studies and engage in labour-intensive activities to support their families. This breakdown of education is detrimental to the individual child and to society as a whole.
Exploitation in Informal Sectors
Child labour often thrives in the shadows of informal sectors, where regulation and oversight are lacking. These sectors, including agriculture, domestic work, and small-scale industries, have experienced a surge in demand during the pandemic. Unfortunately, unscrupulous employers exploit the vulnerable situation by employing children under hazardous conditions, paying them meagre wages, and subjecting them to physical and emotional abuse. The lack of visibility and regulation in these sectors has further fueled the rise of child labour, perpetuating a cycle of poverty and exploitation.
Gender Disparities
The pandemic has highlighted existing gender disparities, further exacerbating the vulnerability of girls to child labour. Girls are disproportionately affected, facing additional burdens such as increased household responsibilities and the risk of gender-based violence. With limited access to education and a lack of support systems, they are often compelled to engage in labour to help their families or as a means of survival. Addressing these gender disparities and providing equal opportunities for girls is crucial in combating the surge of child labour.
Disruption of Child Protection Systems
The disruption of child protection systems during the pandemic has also contributed to the surge of child labour. With overwhelmed healthcare systems and limited resources, essential child protection services, such as helplines, counselling, and emergency shelters, have been strained or suspended. This has left children without proper support and guidance, making them more susceptible to exploitation and forced labour. Governments and relevant organisations must prioritise the continuity of child protection services, ensure adequate funding, and establish alternative mechanisms to address the needs of vulnerable children during times of crisis.
The surge of child labour amid the pandemic is a distressing consequence that demands immediate attention. As we navigate through these challenging times, it is crucial to prioritise the well-being and rights of children. Governments, civil society organizations, and businesses must collaborate to address the root causes of child labour, including economic hardships, educational breakdowns, and gender disparities. Efforts should focus on supporting families, ensuring access to quality education, and strengthening regulations to combat exploitation in informal sectors. Only through collective action can we protect children from the perils of child labour and pave the way for a brighter future where every child can thrive, free from exploitation and poverty.
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