PROTECTING INNOCENCE: CHILD LABOR LAWS AND HUMAN RIGHTS FRAMEWORK IN INDIA

Abstract

Child labor remains a widespread issue globally, with developing economies, particularly in Africa and Asia, bearing the brunt of its serious consequences. While industrialized nations have made significant strides in reducing child labor, the problem persists in many regions, posing significant challenges to child welfare and development. Africa and Asia collectively account for over ninety percent of the global child labor force, with a higher proportion of African children engaged in labor compared to other regions. According to estimates by the International Labour Organization (ILO), approximately 246 million children aged five to fourteen were economically active in 2005, with the majority located in Asia (61%), followed by Africa (32%), and Latin America (7%).

This paper explores the pervasive nature of child labor in developing economies, focusing on the socio-economic factors contributing to its prevalence and the detrimental impact on children's well-being and future prospects. Drawing upon data from the ILO and other sources, it examines the regional disparities in child labor prevalence and the underlying drivers fueling its persistence in Africa and Asia.

By highlighting the scale and scope of the problem, the paper underscores the urgent need for concerted efforts to address the root causes of child labor and implement effective interventions to protect children's rights and ensure their access to education and opportunities for a better future.