All children have fundamental rights, as stated by the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) and acknowledged across the world. And yet, innumerable children continue to be a part of some of the worst situations imaginable.
Child labor is still practiced across many countries, including India. Children who work as laborers are robbed of a safe upbringing and the joyful learning experiences that should have filled their formative years. Many of these child laborers never go to school or are asked to drop out. After leaving school, they immerse themselves in their job to the point where they are unable to acquire new skills and credentials required to fill professions with a steady income. India is losing out on a workforce that is educated and skilled, both of which are necessary to advance the nation’s economy.
When children are employed at a young age, they face varied detrimental effects on their mental, physical, social, and/or moral health. Work that interferes with a child’s education is also considered to be child labor, as is any activity that has a negative effect on the respective child’s potential, dignity, physical development, and mental growth.
To ensure that underprivileged children don’t miss out on a happy and healthy upbringing, the practice of child labor must end, and a zero-tolerance policy must be incorporated across the country. According to Census 2011, over 33 million children between the ages of 6 and 18 work as child laborers in India. This number is increasing as more disadvantaged children are working and supporting their families due to poverty and the effects of COVID.
Since 2004, CRY America, a 501c3 registered NGO in the USA, has helped create more than 700,000 happy childhoods across 4,100 villages/slums, of which 2,585 villages/slums are now 100% child labor free. CRY America works with the project teams, varied communities, government agencies, and the children themselves, to address their pressing needs, in order to create long-lasting change. It is time to reach out to more communities and enable marginalized children to have more promising futures. Donate now to also save tax on your donation!
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