The ILO’s latest global estimates for child labour
by Maddy Reid
As advocates for freedom everywhere, here at The Freedom Project team, we believe it is pivotal that our supporters are informed about current global statistics on slavery and forced labour, so that you too understand the dire need for global change! The Freedom Project is working hard to eradicate these horrifying statistics, with the aim of ending slavery, one life at a time. In order to continue this fight, it is vital that we know the extent of the battle ahead. As such we bring you the latest global estimates surrounding child labour, as stated by the International Labour Organisation (ILO).
Global estimates and trends:
According to the ILO , there are currently 160 million children who are victims of child labour; 63 million are girls and 97 million are boys. This equates to almost 1 in every 10 children worldwide. To put this into terms we can understand: imagine a classroom filled with 30 talented students … yet according to these statistics, three of those students would be a victim of child labour somewhere around the world. Three beautiful children, missing from the classroom, and instead working in dangerous or even life-threatening conditions.
Involvement in child labour is significantly higher for young boys then young girls at all ages. The Freedom Project is working hard to increase the value of life for such young males by introducing our 'Sports for Life’ program. Getting them off the streets of Bangalore’s slum communities, rescuing some from forced beggary, and enabling a better life through sport and education (To read more about our Sports For Life program click HERE). Not only does this program provide encouragement through relationships and mentorship alike, but it also means these children themselves seek to make change within their communities and to live a life free from perpetrating slavery.
How has the global pandemic impacted child labour statistics?
The current Covid-19 crisis not only affects the life of you and me here in Sydney, Australia but it too threatens the life of millions of children around the world. The global pandemic has threatened to “erode the global progress against child labour” according to the International Labour Organisation. It is estimated that a further 8.9 million children will be in child labour by the end of 2022 due to the rising poverty as a result of the pandemic. It is also believed that although “the number of individuals at risk of trafficking grew during the pandemic, so did the conditions under which traffickers thrive” concluded the State Department’s annual Trafficking Report. We all have a role and responsibility to bring this issue out of darkness into the light. To bring freedom, hope and a brighter future to victims. The Freedom Project celebrates the life of each and every individual and desires to protect the lives of the vulnerable through this hard time. We cannot achieve this breakthrough without the help of our incredible supporters.
For more information on how to donate, please visit https://www.thefreedomproject.org/donate