Peer-reviewed article

Global Trends in Child Labour and the Role of International Labour Standards: A Chronological Review

Saidur Rahman · 19 Apr 2025

Abstract

Aim: The principal objective of the study is to present how international instruments working globally to prohibit child labour. Background: Child labour is presently a worldwide concern and as such stands out among people in different parts. It is the result of a general public where bad form wins. Neediness arises out of inconsistent dissemination of riches and this essentially drives children to go for work. It is characterized as a movement that denies offspring of their adolescence; their latent capacity and poise lead those not to take training and reduce their physical and emotional well-being. Methods: The target of this research is to explore the history of growth, development, and effectiveness of global child labour prohibition-related covenants, declarations, and conventions which have been taken by several international and regional organizations. This study has used data of International Labour Organizations. Results: It is evident that a majority of countries have now adopted legislation to prohibit or place severe restrictions on the employment and work of children, much of it following the ratification of the Child Labour Conventions. Despite these efforts, child labour continues to exist on a massive scale, sometimes in appalling conditions, particularly in the developing world. This is because child labour is an immensely complex issue. It cannot be made to disappear simply by the stroke of a pen. Nevertheless, the basis of determined and concerted action must be legislation, which sets the total elimination of child labour as the ultimate goal of policy, puts measures into place for this purpose, and explicitly identifies and prohibits the worst forms of child labour to be eliminated as a matter of priority. Conclusion: It can be said that if the state parties provide need based programmes and policies and essure the implementation of all these programmes and policies then child labour will be eliminate from the world. In this purpose ILO must play leading role with the support of global development partners.