The World Day Against Child Labour, also known as WDACL, is a holiday sanctioned by the International Labour Organization (ILO) and is a day on which the plight of child laborers is highlighted with the hope of one day being able to end all forms of child labor that may exist in the world today. All over the world, child labor is running rampant, not only in the developing countries of the world but also in many industrialized nations. So many, in fact, that it was estimated that there are 215 million child laborers in the world, and half of them are engaged in extremely hazardous work.

History of WDACL

In 2002, the ILO launched the World Day Against Child Labour to help combat the rampant amount of child labor being utilized all over the world. They did so when they discovered just how many children all over the world not only work in hazardous environments but are also forced to do so. It also wanted to address the illicit problems such as children being sold into sexual slavery.

Child Labour Statistics

The percentage of children aged 5 to 14 that are reported to be engaged in some form of child labor varies according to geographic location. For instance, as of 2017, 9 percent of children in Latin America are engaged in some form of labor. In East Asia (excluding China), the Middle East, and Northern Africa, it’s 10 percent; in Eastern and Southern Africa, it’s 26 percent; and in sub-Saharan Africa, it’s 28 percent.

Observing World Day Against Child Labour

All over the world, various events are held to help draw attention to the practice of child labor. These events include seminars, lectures, and even concerts. It is also a good day to remember that each and every child has the right to a free, quality public education.