On Monday, June 12, the U.S. Department of State issued a statement on the occasion of World Day Against Child Labor, welcoming increased international cooperation to combat this 'global problem.' The statement referenced the adoption of the 'Convention on the Worst Forms of Child Labor' over two decades ago by all member states of the International Labour Organization, citing figures from this international body that indicated approximately 80 million children were engaged in hazardous and unsafe work in 2021. The U.S. Department of State further added that its special envoy for international labor is working with other American agencies and international partners to eradicate the worst forms of child labor. The statement also mentioned the recent G7 summit in Hiroshima and their commitment to eradicating forced labor and child labor. In this context, the United Nations emphasized the link between social justice and child labor, declaring the slogan for this day in 2023 as 'Social Justice for All, End Child Labor.' The UN described World Day Against Child Labor, held annually on June 12, as a backdrop for the growing global movement against child labor. The organization also called for the effective implementation of the 'Durban Call to Action,' which defines global commitments in six areas, including accelerating international efforts to end child labor, ending child labor in agriculture, and ensuring children's access to free and compulsory education. A member of the Tehran City Council noted that 'working and street children' have increased. A letter from eight organizations to the International Labour Organization called for the expulsion of the Islamic Republic. Reports of 'child neglect' were the most frequently reported to social emergency services; a welfare official stated that 'COVID-19' exacerbated child abuse. Tens of thousands of 'working and street children' exist in Iran; welfare authorities oppose their collection. There is also a dispute over the share of foreign nationals in the population of working children.
The U.S. Calls for International Cooperation to Combat the 'Global Problem' of Child Labor
The U.S. has called for international cooperation to combat child labor, highlighting the alarming statistic of 80 million children engaged in hazardous work. This initiative aligns with global efforts, including commitments from the G7 and the United Nations, to eradicate child labor and promote social justice. The situation in Iran reflects ongoing challenges with a rising number of working and street children.
👥 Key Players
📰 What Happened
The U.S. called for international cooperation to combat child labor, highlighting the alarming statistic of 80 million children engaged in hazardous work. This initiative aligns with global commitments from the G7 and the United Nations to eradicate child labor and promote social justice.
- Approximately 80 million children were engaged in hazardous work in 2021, according to the ILO.
- The U.S. is working with international partners to eradicate the worst forms of child labor.
💡 Why It Matters
📚 Background
Child labor is a critical issue affecting millions of children worldwide, often linked to poverty and lack of access to education. The ILO's conventions aim to eliminate the worst forms of child labor.
🏷️ Entities Mentioned
Translated from the original and edited for English readers. View original source →
Translation confidence: 85%