World Day Against Child Labor | June 12

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These short films shine a light on the great injustice of child labor

Courage

Produced by:Anson Schloat and John G. Young

A 12-year-old fought for his rights and the rights of his fellow child workers.

I am a #youngworker

Saba Waheed

Many people think that young workers are working just for extra money for clothes, phones, or going out. But in reality, they work to support their families, make less than previous generations, and experience a higher unemployment rate than other workers. Young workers are the future of the country’s workforce– what happens to them has huge implications for how work is changing today. I am a #youngworker combines worker experience and research data into a powerful and artistic animated story.

Tell us about your hero

Credit: MH

Stories of Heroes Fighting to End Child Labor

The following stories illustrate the power of inspiration to create a ripple effect of change.

Iqbal Masih

By: Arushi Dogra from San Diego

Iqbal Masih was a child laborer in Pakistan whose parents forced him to work starting at age 4 to pay off their debts. He escaped by age 10 and became an activist.

Maura Welch

Maura Welch started a local chapter of Kielburger's "Kids Can Free the Children" program. She was recognized by NetAid for her work to spread awareness about child labor.

Mary Harris Jones

By: Susannah Abbey

Mary Harris Jones worked to free men, women, and children from industrial slavery.

MY HERO Contests

Credit: MH

Portraits of advocates who helped to reform Child labor laws

These artworks honor those who have worked to end child labor and the children who have suffered through it.

Utah Phillips fought for child labor laws in the United States

By: Robert Shetterly

Americans Who Tell The Truth - portraits and quotes by Robert Shetterly

Iqbal Masih worked tirelessly to end child slavery

By: Sydney from Laguna Beach

From the MY HERO Library

Kids at Work: Lewis Hine and the Crusade Against Child Labor

By: Russell Freedman

FROM THE PUBLISHER Photobiography of ear...

Universal Children's Day

By: Becky Miller

Universal Childrens Day is celebrated on November 20 to bring awareness of children's rights and to create a better world for children.

External Links

Official Site for UN Observance

Each year on 12 June, the World Day brings together governments, employers and workers organizations, civil society, as well as millions of people from around the world to highlight the plight of child labourers and what can be done to help them. The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), adopted by world leaders in 2015, include a renewed global commitment to ending child labour.

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