A Breach of Human Rights: Child Labour Exploitation
From our favourite knitted sweater to those delicious imported fruits… Do we actually understand who is involved in the manufacturing process of the items we purchase? Ipsos revealed that most Canadians in fact, have no idea where their items are even coming from.
With big names like H&M and Shein making headlines, we are forced to acknowledge the rising media interest on the topic of child labour and exploitation. According to a 2011 released UNICEF consensus report, the number of exploited children introduced to child labour has decreased over the last two years, but that does not direct the focus away from the astronomical numbers that we are still seeing today. 152 million children, 42% female and 58% male, are still in circumstances that would be considered child labour. As the years dwindle by, it is predicted to become the main threat to economies that have become dependent on this method of production, posing possible long-term, generational damage. UNICEF states, " [...] Child labour deprives children of their right to go to school and reinforces intergenerational cycles of poverty. Child labour acts as a major barrier to education, affecting both attendance and performance in school”.
In an article titled Child labour should be made legal, author Suhail Singh often suggests the idea of legalizing child labour in an ethical manner, for which I commend them, but loopholes are inevitable when battling with such a tedious topic.
Referencing the instance in which a child must work to provide for their family, Singh explores the many possibilities that could give grounds to his opinion. They justified, “ [...] Apart from taking over the work or business the child needs to get a proper education [...] so that the child's education does not get hampered [...]. For these kinds of reasons, our law should grant the request and make child labor legal”. A study conducted by the International Labour Organization concluded that, although a child may still attend school, their performance lacks in terms of personal achievement and grade advancement. Additionally, the ILO indicates that a large amount of children involved in child labour- both family orientated and not- are deprived of the necessary energy to thrive academically, especially those between the ages of 5 and 17 in which negative impacts can be made to an individuals personal development and emotional maturity. Ultimately, redacting child labour laws enables an alternate level of poverty and cycles of violence.
In Canada, under the Employment Standards Act, it is directly stated that an adult can employ a minor if they abide by the strategically implemented federal requirements. Singh states, “Making child labor legal in terms of the family business can be [...] good and profitable for the children themselves as they would get to learn and shape their lives properly”. This is currently legal in the province on British Columbia. Children between the ages of 12 to 16 can legally work, including a family business, so long as they follow the proper protocol.
For example, the employed individual can work within a family business, under the supervision of an adult without actively participating in what is called ‘not light work’. Ensuring a child adheres to these protocols can be the difference between child labour and a career eager child.
Google Trends indicates that the words Child (100) and Child Labour (95) are popular amongst topics searched recently. A topic with a value of 100 is the peak in popularity of that term! Human rights (100) is more frequently used in comparison to Fundamental Rights (55) which has a tendency to spike in popularity occasionally. This title directly addresses the topic that my article in about, of which child labour is a breach of human rights. When I search for Exploitation, the word Child appeared under the top 5 related topics! Breach is a daunting word, and it grabs the readers attention.
I like the way you have structured your arguments and the engaging nature of your post. I also liked the point you made about generational damage as a result of child labour. I think you meant to write 'they justified' instead of "they justifies" in the second line of the fourth paragraph.
ReplyDeleteYour article is well structured and I like the lead of your article as it captures readers interest and makes curious to read further.
ReplyDeleteThe way you hyperlinked your articles is very clean and professional. I also liked the fact that you gave a Canadian source which makes it more relevant to where we are and how we would treat instances of child labour.
ReplyDeleteI agree that child labour is a violation of children’s rights. However, education is an essential part of life and is compromised when the child is forced to do labour. The articles used in the blog support the argument about child labor.
ReplyDeleteI like the way you make the connection between education and child labour. The sources used in this blog post strongly support your main argument.
ReplyDeleteYou choose really a good topic and have a good writing structure. It's flawless writing I would say.
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely love the pictue you chose. The evidence you provided was written perfectly and was supported by some great examples.
ReplyDeleteHloo Sophie, I really enjoyed reading your blog argument. It is very clearly explaining the main points that you are trying to convey. Well done!
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