Nairita Siddiqui: World Day Against Child Labour 2020; Voices of DCI Youth Leaders

Child labor, the exploitation of children for work, has been a persisting issue throughout history and modern day. Victims of child labor suffer degradation of their physical and mental health as they are forced to sacrifice tiring hours working in unsafe environments for little to no pay. According to the United Nations, about 152 million children, aged 5 to 17, are currently child laborers, with about 73 million doing hazardous work. 48% are below the age of 11. According to UNICEF, in the world’s poorest countries, about 25% of children are involved in child labor. The COVID-19 pandemic only worsens the issue of child labor. The economic crisis created by the pandemic leaves workers desperate for recovery, resulting in longer and more tiring work hours.

This is unacceptable. The numbers are too high. The number of kids in child labor should be zero.
In honor of World Day Against Child Labor, we must work together to combat child labor. We can put an end to this, and it all starts with YOU. Educate yourself; learn about the history of child labor and the detrimental effects it has on communities. Call and write to your legislators and stress how important it is that, as your representatives, they work to make a change to help pull distressed children out of this vicious cycle. Contact chain stores and manufacturers that take advantage of child labor and explain to them that it is imperative that they do their part in preventing this crime by ensuring that child labor is not part of their production process. This attack on distressed children has been going on far too long. Come together and help by doing your part in putting an end to child labor. Please join our mission.

Nairita Siddiqui
Youth Leader, Distressed Children & Infants International (DCI)
About Nairita Siddiqui:
Nairita Siddiqui is a rising junior and lives in Georgia. She is passionate about music and fighting for social justice. Nairita has been a dedicated DCI volunteer and president of the DCI club at her school.