The numbers are not only staggering but coupled with the concerning uptick in recent years on account of global crises such as the COVID-19 pandemic, economic downturns, climate-induced displacement, and conflicts they assume grave proportions.
The agriculture sector accounts for 70% of child labour and the services and industry including manufacturing and mining follow closely Many children are exposed to long work hours in unsafe conditions in return for minimal or no payment in most cases. Apart from robbing them of their childhood, this also creates cycles of poverty and inequality.
The Pivotal Role of Corporates in addressing the ills of Child Labour
It is important to note that apart from governments and NGOs, businesses with global supply chains can play a crucial role in policy and grassroots interventions, and are uniquely positioned to drive systemic change.
Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) no longer remains of ornamental value for corporates, which can be adorned by choice. It has evolved from being a mere accessory to an imperative, which most companies include as part of their core operations, which helps them in prioritizing ethical practices.
- Supply Chain Transparency
The lower tiers of global supply chains, are rife with instances of child labour due to limited oversight. Corporates have to discharge their responsibility by ensuring the compliance of all partners with international labour standards and this can be brought about by investing in robust supply chain due diligence. By adopting a process of regular audits, certifications and collaboration with local NGOs the important aspect of inadvertent violations can be corrected
2. Fair Wages and Community Development Initiatives
When businesses focus on community development initiatives in the regions that they operate in, by offering fair wages to adults, investing in healthcare, infrastructure and local education, they help address the vulnerability of the low-income communities. Desperation is often the root cause that compels low income communities to encourage child labour. The financial stability that these initiatives bring for the families will help diminish the likelihood of their children being forced into child labour.
3. Certification and Ethical Procurement
By sourcing materials and services from child-labor-free certified suppliers, companies can adopt and encourage ethical procurement policies.
4. Employee and Consumer Awareness
Well informed and aware employees and consumers on the issue of child labour proves to be crucial. This awareness can be raised through internal training programmes which can assist the procurement and HR departments to understand the role that they play in compliance. For the external public, regular and transparent communication about CSR activities enhances brand credibility and trust. Consumers too are encouraged to support products that maintain ethical standards.
Success Stories: Corporate Action That Made a Difference
Several corporations have created strong benchmarks in illustrating their stand on child labour. IKEA and Nestle amongst others are names to reckon with.
Legislative and International Support
The movement to eradicate child labour has received support through various global frameworks:
- The UN Sustainable Development Goal 8.7 calls for the end of child labour in all its forms by the year 2025.
- The ILO Convention No. 182 on the worst forms of child labour has been universally ratified.
- ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) disclosures, are mandated by many countries, including labour practices, holding corporations accountable.
Sadly though, the enforcement remains scattered, and the role of the private sector assumes great importance for it is here that they must rise to fill the gaps that occur due to policy limitations.
A Shared Responsibility
Most of us realize and agree that ending child labour is not the responsibility of governments or NGOs alone—but a shared one. Corporates are key players in this mission, with the immense power they can wield through their supply chains, or their investment strategies, or their huge social influence. They can lead by example and adopt ethical practices, support education, and empower families. Their efforts can ensure a promising future for the children in their regions devoid of compulsions of child labour.
This World Day Against Child Labour, let us look at the solutions within our reach instead of the problem we are faced with. This mission has justice, equality and human dignity at stake. When we see a child forced into labour, we see a failed system glaring back at us, but with every child enrolled in school and rescued from misery we see a strong ray of hope.
Call to Action
CSR leaders and decision-makers must commit to:
- An implementation and enforcement of zero-tolerance policies on child labour
- Collaboration with civil society and government bodies for effective action.
- Working on sustainable livelihoods for vulnerable communities.
- Transparent CSR communication incorporating the progress and challenges.
Let us commemorate this significant day by catalyzing lasting change through decisive action!
