A hard knock life

Millions of children around the world will have spent today toiling in unsafe, unjust, and unregulated conditions. From 2000, progress towards eliminating child labour all its forms was notable, but headway achieving this Sustainable Development Goal by 2025 has slowed, gains made probably be lost due to devastation wrought COVID-19 pandemic. The prospects for out education entrenched are desperate. International Labour Organisation (ILO) UNICEF launched a report on June 10, mark Year Elimination Child Labour. reports states that early 2020, 160 million (one ten globally) were involved labour, with nearly two thirds occuring family businesses such as farms or microenterprises. labour—defined work too young do, which is harmful their health, safety, morals—is more common rural than urban settings (14% vs 5%) workers commonly boys girls (11% 8%). However, when domestic chores totalling 21 h week included, gender gap halved. Progress reducing slowed since 2012, pandemic catastrophe—not only halting progress, also eroding past gains. ILO-UNICEF predicts further 50 could pushed into end 2022, most these younger 11 years. 1·5 billion been affected school closures, previous crises shown many never return classroom. Parental deaths, illnesses, job losses forced families poverty, schools closed, setting logical necessary decision. shows increases absolute numbers proportions Africa Arab States 2016. Sub-Saharan (an estimated 86·6 million) across rest combined. 70% agricultural, 50% considered hazardous work. Many 40 working dangerous conditions sub-Saharan tobacco where they exposed fertilisers, pesticides, wet (which those aged <18 years forbidden with, owing risk green sickness). On 28, UK courts threw an appeal leading companies (British American Tobacco Imperial Tobacco) who accused exploiting Malawian using 3 old supply chains. A growing concern use processing electronic waste (e-waste). According first international WHO risks e-waste children's Children Digital Dumpsites, 53·6 tonnes created less 20% being disposed through formal management channels 2019. preferred work, argument small dextrous hands well suited picking sites dismantling electronics mobile phones. They at from physical injuries toxic fumes smoke burning plastics melting circuit boards. Although knowledge cognitive sequalae exposures infancy, evidence effects amplified over time non-reversible. Maternal exposure can lead stillbirth, premature birth, impeded cognition language childhood. With rapid amassing e-waste, it imperative solutions safe disposal found. Industries must invest sustainable materials manufacturing electronics, countries create formal, regulated, e-recycling sector provide enterprise employment opportunities alongside enforced ban labour. As focus recovery plans, not forget poorest children. Social protection systems reduce poverty economic uncertainty drive address inequalities see women essential. Back-to-school initiatives accessible free catchup learning programmes provided school-aged children, environments age-appropriate adolescents transitioning adulthood. We cannot accept denied exhausting deny so much.