What is child labour?
The United Nations (UN) has declared 2021 the international year for the elimination of child labour. The recognised child labour definition is dangerous, often exploitative work that exceeds a reasonable number of hours a day and interferes with a child’s education. It deprives children of their childhood, their potential and their dignity. The worst forms of child labour include illicit activities like child slavery, trafficking, sexual exploitation and hazardous work that put children at risk of death, injury or disease.
World Vision centres children in labour protection work: empowering children to know their rights, helping them and their families into better jobs, vocational training or education, and working with parents and communities to see that children's futures are not stolen by labour exploitation.
Another important factor in child slavery and labour protection is advocacy - which is where your voice is particularly powerful. We demand that law enforcement and justice systems investigate and prosecute those who exploit children, and pressure and support private sector organisations to strengthen their supply chains to stop using child labour.