The International Labor Organization says progress toward eliminating the worst forms of child labor is slowing down. To mark the World Day Against Child Labor, the ILO is urging countries to do more to end this abhorrent practice.
This year's World Day Against Child Labor coincides with the World Cup in South Africa. But, for millions of children the beautiful game is just a distant dream.
Patrick Quinn is Senior Technical Specialist in ILO's International Program on the Elimination of Child Labor. He says while billions of people are caught up in the excitement of the World Cup, some 215 million children are laboring for survival.
"The grim reality for many children is they do not have the opportunity to play, to learn," he said. "They are trapped in child labor. We want to focus attention on this issue".
Of the 215 million child laborers, the ILO estimates more than half, or 115 million, are trapped in the worst forms of child labor. This includes all forms of slavery, such as debt bondage, using children in armed conflict, or in the sex industry.
Many children also are forced into hazardous work, including domestic service, agriculture, and mining.
