Child Labour
What is Child Labour?
The International Labour Organisation defines child labour as any work that deprives children of their childhood, their potential, their dignity and one that is harmful to the physical and mental development of the child. It includes work that is mentally, physically, socially or morally dangerous to children. Work that interferes with a child’s ability to attend and participate in school fully by obliging them to leave school prematurely; or requiring them to try to combine school attendance with excessively long and heavy work is also child labour. It is both a cause and consequence of poverty. In India, a “Child” as defined by the Child Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Amendment Act of 2016 as a person who has not completed 14 years of age.
Child labour in India
India sadly is home to the largest number of child labourers in the world. A growing phenomenon is children being used as domestic workers in urban areas. The conditions in which children work are completely unregulated and they are often made to work without food, with very low wages, resembling slavery. There are cases of physical, sexual and emotional abuse of child domestic workers. A Ministry of Labour notification has made child domestic work as well as employment of children in dhabas, tea stalls and restaurants “hazardous” occupations.
India has 33 million working children between the ages of 5-18 years. In parts of the country, more than half the child population is engaged in labour (Census 2011). There are 10.13 million Child Labourers between 5-14 years in India (Census 2011). The International Labour Organisation defines child labour as any work that deprives children of their childhood, their potential, their dignity and one that is harmful to the physical and mental development of the child. It includes work that is mentally, physically, socially or morally dangerous to children. Work that interferes with a child’s ability to attend and participate in school fully by obliging them to leave school prematurely; or requiring them to try to combine school attendance with excessively long and heavy work is also child labour. It is both a cause and consequence of poverty. In India, a “Child” as defined by the Child Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Amendment Act of 2016 as a person who has not completed 14 years of age.
At Justice For India Foundation, our mission is to eradicate child labour and ensure that every child has the opportunity to grow, learn, and thrive in a safe and nurturing environment. Child labour remains one of the most pressing global issues, depriving millions of children of their fundamental rights to education, health, and a secure childhood. Our dedicated team is committed to tackling this grave injustice through a multifaceted approach that addresses both the symptoms and root causes of child labour.
Understanding the Issue
Child labour is a complex problem rooted in various socio-economic factors, including poverty, lack of access to education, and inadequate social protection systems. Children engaged in labour are often subjected to hazardous conditions, exploitation, and abuse, which severely impact their physical and mental well-being. Our work begins with a comprehensive understanding of these issues, engaging with affected communities to identify the most pressing needs and effective solutions.
Our Approach
01. Education and Awareness: Education is a powerful tool in the fight against child labour. We work tirelessly to promote the importance of education within communities and to advocate for policies that protect children’s right to schooling. Through awareness campaigns, workshops, and community outreach, we educate parents, teachers, and local leaders about the detrimental effects of child labour and the benefits of keeping children in school.
02. Support and Rehabilitation: For children who have been rescued from labour situations, we provide immediate and long-term support. Our rehabilitation programs include safe shelters, medical care, psychological counseling, and educational support. We ensure that these children receive a quality education tailored to their needs, empowering them to build a better future for themselves.
03. Advocacy and Policy Change: Systemic change is essential to effectively combat child labour. We work closely with governments, international organizations, and other stakeholders to advocate for stronger laws and policies that protect children. Our efforts include lobbying for better enforcement of existing regulations, developing new policies, and monitoring compliance to ensure that the rights of children are upheld.
04. Community Empowerment: Addressing child labour requires a community-based approach. We collaborate with local organizations and community leaders to implement sustainable solutions. By providing economic support to families, such as microloans or vocational training for adults, we help reduce the financial pressures that often lead to child labour. Our programs also focus on building community resilience and promoting social norms that reject child labour.
05. Monitoring and Evaluation: To ensure the effectiveness of our interventions, we rigorously monitor and evaluate our programs. Regular assessments help us understand the impact of our work and identify areas for improvement. We are committed to transparency and accountability, sharing our findings with stakeholders and using data-driven insights to refine our strategies.
Join Us in Making a Difference
At Justice For India Foundation, we believe that every child deserves the chance to experience a joyful and healthy childhood. Our work is driven by the vision of a world where child labour is eradicated, and every child has access to education and opportunities. However, achieving this goal requires collective effort and unwavering commitment. We invite individuals, organizations, and communities to join us in this critical mission. Your support, whether through donations, volunteering, or advocacy, can help us bring an end to child labour and create a brighter future for children around the world.
Together, we can make a lasting impact and ensure that every child has the chance to dream, learn, and grow free from exploitation.
