Latest modern slavery fight updates - FreedomUnited.org

Treaty against child labor becomes first ever to achieve universal ratification  

  • Published on
    August 7, 2020
  • News Source Image
  • Category:
    Law & Policy
Hero Banner

In a historic milestone in the fight against child labor, an International Labour Organization (ILO) treaty against the worst forms of child labor has become the first ever to achieve universal ratification.

With the Pacific island nation of Tonga ratifying this week, the Convention No. 182 on the Worst Forms of Child Labour  (C182) has now been adopted by all 187 of the U.N. labor agency’s member states.

One of the ILO’s eight Fundamental Conventions, C182 requires governments to eliminate the worst forms of child labor, which include forced labor, trafficking, debt bondage, and other forms of modern slavery.

The legally binding international instrument was introduced in 1999 and became the most rapidly ratified Convention in ILO history, dramatically expanding the legal protection enjoyed by children around the world.

The milestone brings the world one step closer to achieving Sustainable Development Goals 8.7 and 16.2, which involve the eradication of forced child labor and child exploitation.

 Reuters reports:

“Universal ratification … is an historic first that means that all children now have legal protection against the worst forms of child labour,” ILO director-general Guy Ryder said.

“It reflects a global commitment that the worst forms of child labour, such as slavery, sexual exploitation, the use of children in armed conflict or other illicit or hazardous work … have no place in our society,” he said in a statement.

According to the ILO, 152 million children around the world are engaged in labor, nearly half of them in hazardous jobs; this number has fallen significantly since the year after C189 was introduced, when estimates hovered around 246 million.

But advocates argue that a united front against child labor is especially necessary in light of the coronavirus pandemic, the economic impacts of which could push millions into poverty.

With families under increased pressure to make ends meet, several U.N. agencies have warned that the number of children forced to work could rise for the first time in decades.

The universal ratification of C189 is a historic and promising milestone; now, effective implementation is crucial to ensure it achieves its goals.

Subscribe

Freedom United is interested in hearing from our community and welcomes relevant, informed comments, advice, and insights that advance the conversation around our campaigns and advocacy. We value inclusivity and respect within our community. To be approved, your comments should be civil.

stop icon A few things we do not tolerate: comments that promote discrimination, prejudice, racism, or xenophobia, as well as personal attacks or profanity. We screen submissions in order to create a space where the entire Freedom United community feels safe to express and exchange thoughtful opinions.

Notify of
guest
0 Comments
Most Voted
Newest Oldest
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments

This week

Advocacy groups successfully stall Shein U.K. IPO

Britain's Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) is taking longer than usual to approve Shein’s London IPO due to concerns raised by the advocacy group Stop Uyghur Genocide (SUG) regarding alleged links between Shein’s supply chain and forced labor in the Uyghur Region. Sources close to the matter suggest the FCA is reviewing the company's oversight and preparing for potential legal challenges, including a judicial review application. The global fast

| Thursday December 12, 2024

Read more