Practice of child labour still continues to persist, especially in the regions where most of our products come from. South-Asian countries are today’s big manufacturers, but do you know that a shocking 12 percent of children living there aged 5-14 are involved in child labour?
Especially, when there is a COVID-19 pandemic, that is influencing many producers and ordinary families to force children into work.
Therefore, we have prepared a few tips on how we all can contribute to stopping child labour! By these actions, we will wake up in a better world with happy children one day, isn’t it that we all want?
1. Buy fairtrade
As we have mentioned a couple of articles ago, fairtrade is a cool thing! To get certified by such a global organisation, farmers and producers have to follow a few strict rules. And one of them is the prohibition of child labour!
Therefore, by buying fairtrade, you can be sure that the children of that community go to school regularly. Isn’t it a great way to help developing countries? – We think it is!
2. Spread awareness about child labour
Parental understanding of the dangers of child labour can help to prevent disruptions in school and the forced work of children. Due to parents’ lack of understanding, child traffickers prey on youngsters, and many trafficked children wind up working as minors.
Communities that are aware can better understand and respond to the problems that children face.
Awareness also assures that communities take advantage of chances for growth, education, employment, and business, resulting in a more socially and economically developed society with fewer children suffering.
3. Support local businesses
The thing we all can do easily is to support your local farmers, businesses, and manufacturers that you can be sure about!
If you are aware of the transparency of such businesses – go for it! Support them! Between, do you know there are other ways you can help local businesses? You can check them out here and find out why it is so important.
4. Contact local, regional, and national legislators to fight child labour
Write letters to authorities of those countries that permit any form of child slavery/forced labour and ask them to help! For example, you can ask them to strengthen laws in favour of children or to increase efforts in supporting education.
Are you sceptical about such initiatives? I also was. But just imagine – millions of people writing letters to countries officials, how can it be ignored?
5. Contact retail stores, manufacturers, and importers
Also, you can contact your favourite retail stores, manufacturers, and importers and kindly ask them questions about the origin of their products. Let them know that you want to buy only products, which are “child labour” free.
By doing so, all participants in the supply chain will know, that there is an increasing demand for such items. In the end, they will try their best to provide you with them increasing transparency.
Conclusion: care about what you buy
Just by simple caring a bit more, we will create a fair world with equal opportunities for all. By following mentioned steps, you can join the whole new community, that tries. It tries to change the state of affairs and put an end to child labour.
