World Day Against Child Labor is today. Long outlawed in the United States, child labor is still a major issue throughout the world, particularly in poverty stricken regions where the lure of cheap, easily exploited children is often taken advantage of by employers while at the same time many children living in poverty tragically feel forced to work in order to contribute to their family’s wellbeing. Currently the UN International Labor Organization estimates that 165 Million children between the ages of 5 and 14 are involved in child labor practices throughout the world.

This year the focus of the annual event is on education as a route to reduce child labor and on gender equality between boys and girls. Countries throughout the world from Africa to Asia to South America to the Middle East to Europe and beyond are staging events to reduce the unfair exploitation of children.

You can takepart in the World Day Against Child Labor by learning more about the issue from Global March Against Child Labour, which includes various news, events, campaigns and resources about the issue on their website.

LINKS:

PressTV: Child labor slammed worldwide

Fair Trade Sports: World Day Against Child Labor

Cuban News Agency: Education Key to Eradicate Child Labor