Even in today’s modern world, an estimated 168 million children are still trapped in child labor, 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 done everything possible to eradicate this inhumane practice and recover the childhood of these innocent children. However, let us know a little more about child labor laws around the world.
Categories of child labor defined by international law:
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Human trafficking, slavery, debt bondage and other forced labor, prostitution, pornography and forced recruitment in armed conflict are called the worst unconditional forms of child labor.
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Any type of work performed by the child, which is not allowed at their specific age (as defined by national legislation) that may hinder the education and development of the child.
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Work that may hinder the mental, physical, or moral well-being of the child. It generally includes working in hazardous conditions or the nature of the work being done.
Minimum working age:
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 working children, children over the age of 12 may be allowed to do light work under appropriate conditions and as long as it does not affect their formal education.
Age restrictions and types of works:
In addition to setting the minimum age to work at 14 years, the ILO has restricted the minimum age to work to 18 years to work in dangerous conditions, such as working on a construction site, working with machines that could cause any type of damage or any another worse. type of works. The “worst forms” of work, as defined by the International Labor Organization, include slavery, prostitution, human trafficking and various other inhumane practices.
Imposition of penalties:
The penalties 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 result in up to 6 months in prison in the county jail and / or $ 500- $ 10,000 of a monetary fine. In most countries, companies can face fines and legal claims against them if they are found guilty of violating child labor laws. However, huge cultural differences and other legal complications make strict implementation of the laws difficult in various countries. Furthermore, according to the Right to Education Project, the implementation of the child labor law is still insufficient in several countries, as they do not have sufficient means to enforce the laws strictly.