Child labour is not a child choice. It is a consequence of poverty and broken system of any country. By providing opportunities to adult and youth to decent work where they can earn decent wage and excess to education can end child labour. Millions of children worldwide are forced to work instead of attending school.
In Pakistan, poverty, climate disaster and lack of social protection drive children towards work in such a young age.
These vulnerabilities such as flood and heatwaves further push vulnerable families into survival mood making child labour and economic necessity rather than violation of rights.
When I talked about this critical issue with COO APWA Dureshawar, she said solution begins with adults. When families earn decent and secure wages, children can stay in school. Universal access to social protection, including income support, child benefit healthcare is critical to prevent families.
At the same time quality inclusive education must be granted for all children, especially those in rural and marginalized communities.
Multinational companies profiting from global supply chain must be held responsible by ensuring the rights of children
The government plays a key role in advocating for policies that protect children and support families. Ending child labour also require addressing gender inequality and climate vulnerability. Girls are disproportionately affected and climate chocks deepen poverty cycle. It is high time for government, business leader and the civil society to act decisively so that no child is forced to work.
The writer is a news anchor for 365 News