World Day Against Child Labour: Upholding social justice for all

We are confronted with a harsh reality across the globe: approximately 160 million children, equivalent to 1 in 10 children, are ensnared in the vicious cycle of child labour.

Education holds the key to liberation. Access to quality education is an inherent right that empowers children, endowing them with the knowledge and skills necessary to break free from the clutches of labour and forge a brighter future.

Education not only provides children with opportunities for personal growth and development but also enables them to make meaningful contributions to society.

It is important for governments, civil society organizations, and the international community to collaborate in ensuring inclusive and equitable education for all children, without any form of discrimination.

This entails addressing the barriers that obstruct children's access to education, such as poverty, gender inequality, and inadequate infrastructure. Moreover, efforts should be made to render education relevant, engaging, and tailored to the diverse needs of children, fostering their motivation to remain in school and pursue their dreams.

The eradication of child labour necessitates a united endeavour encompassing governments, civil society, businesses, and individuals alike.

And by individuals, I mean all of us who see and ignore the tiny vices around us: The neighbour next door has adopted a child of school-going age, from their rural home, scrubbing sufurias instead of being in school; a teenager hawking groundnuts around your locale, and the subconscious fails to register them as a child, just because they are not our own. The simple things.

It is disheartening, that child labour persists in various forms, depriving children of their childhood, education, and rightful opportunities. In Kenya, as in many other nations, child labour poses a significant obstacle to social justice.

Vulnerable children, often from impoverished backgrounds, are compelled to toil in hazardous conditions, forsaking their education and the chance to break free from the cycle of poverty.

To combat child labour effectively, the Kenyan government must prioritize the implementation and enforcement of laws and policies that protect children from exploitation. Stringent regulations should be established to safeguard the rights and well-being of every child.

Furthermore, it is crucial to enhance collaboration between relevant stakeholders, including government agencies, non-governmental organizations, trade unions, and the private sector.

By working collectively, we can establish comprehensive monitoring mechanisms and ensure strict adherence to ethical labour practices, guaranteeing that no child is subjected to exploitation.

Equally important is the provision of social protection programs that target vulnerable families and communities. Poverty remains a significant underlying cause of child labour, forcing families to rely on their children's labour as a means of survival.

By implementing robust social safety nets, we can alleviate the economic hardships faced by these families, thereby reducing their reliance on child labour. Additionally, efforts should be directed toward empowering parents and guardians through skill-building programs and income-generating activities, enabling them to provide for their families without resorting to child labour.

Moreover, raising awareness about the detrimental impact of child labour is paramount. Education campaigns should be launched to inform communities, parents, and children about the rights and consequences associated with child labour.

By fostering a sense of collective responsibility, we can cultivate a society that rejects child labour and actively supports the protection and well-being of all children.

Furthermore, multinational corporations and businesses must be held accountable for their supply chains to ensure that child labour is not perpetuated through their operations.

Transparent and ethical business practices should be adopted, with stringent guidelines in place to trace the origins of products and services, eliminating any association with child labour. Consumers also play a vital role by making informed choices and supporting companies that demonstrate a commitment to eradicating child labour.

On this World Day Against Child Labor, let us pledge to uphold social justice for all children by eradicating child labour in all its forms. Education stands as the cornerstone of liberation, and by providing every child with equal access to quality education, we can break the chains that bind them to a life of labour.

It is our collective responsibility to champion the cause of social justice, working hand in hand to create a world where no child is deprived of their rights, their education, or their dreams.