Even in today’s modern world, an estimated 168 million children are still trapped in child labour, several of them even full-time. Most of them do not have the opportunity to receive formal education and several of them do not even receive adequate food and nutrition. Furthermore, at least half of them have been involved in the worst working conditions, slavery and other illicit activities such as prostitution and human trafficking. However, the United Nations, the International Labor Organization and national governments have been doing their best to eradicate this inhumane practice and give childhood back to these innocent children. However, let us know a bit more about child labor laws around the world.
Categories of child labor as defined by international law:
-
Human trafficking, slavery, debt bondage and other forced labour, prostitution, pornography and forced recruitment in armed conflict are called the unconditional worst forms of child labour.
-
Any type of work performed by the child, which is not permitted at his/her specific age (as defined by national law) which may hamper the education and development of the child.
-
Work that may harm the mental, physical or moral well-being of the child. It typically includes working in hazardous conditions or the nature of the work being performed.
Minimum age to work:
Most countries maintain strict laws and have restricted the minimum working age to 14-15 years. However, there are some exceptions, which have been established by the International Labor Organization. For developing countries, where the country’s economy may depend on child labour, children over the age of 12 may be allowed to do light work under proper conditions and as long as it does not affect their formal education.
Age restrictions and types of works:
In addition to setting the minimum working age at 14 years, the ILO has restricted the minimum working age to 18 years for jobs in dangerous conditions, such as working on a construction site, operating machines that could cause any kind of damage, or any other worst problem. type of works As defined by the International Labor Organization, the “worst forms” of work include slavery, prostitution, human trafficking and various other inhumane practices.
sentencing:
The sanctions that are imposed for the violation of any type of child labor laws depend on the situation and the place. For example, in California, violating any child labor law can carry up to 6 months in county jail and/or a $500-$10,000 monetary fine. In most countries, companies can face fines and legal action against them if they are found guilty of violating child labor laws. However, huge cultural differences and other legal complications make it difficult to strictly implement the laws in various countries. In addition, according to the Right to Education Project, the implementation of child labor law is still poor in several countries, as they do not have sufficient means to strictly enforce the laws.