Peer-reviewed article

LOST CHILDHOOD: CHILD LABOUR, HUMAN RIGHTS VIOLATIONS AND THE FIGHT FOR CHANGE

Tapasi Dey · 13 Feb 2020

Abstract

The status of children engaged in different laborious work possess a grave threat to human rights, depriving them of their future, education, and dignity.Even with constitutional protections, dangerous child work is still a major problem in many nations throughout the world.Worldwide, a large number of youngsters are employed in hazardous occupations like mining, construction, textiles, firework, agricultural, and other unorganized sectors.This study primarily emphasizes on the physical and psychological abuses of child labour that are threatening to human rights and are brought on by unfavourable working conditions and social deny.The study collectively focuses on the mental and physical health issues that children engaged in hazardous jobs experience at work.The "body," "mind," and "space" are challenging domains that are viewed as outcasts in our society. International Legal Framework ProhibitingChild Labour 1. ILO Conventions: ILO Convention No.138(1973): Sets the minimum age for employment.ILO Convention No 182(1999): Aims to eliminate the worst forms of child labour, including slavery, trafficking and hazardous work 2. United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (1989) Article 32: Protects children from economic exploitation Article 28: Emphasizes the right to Education Indian laws and regulations 1.The Constitution of India Article 24: Prohibits employment of children below 14 years in factories, mines and hazardous employment Article 21A: Guarantees free and compulsory education for children aged 6-14 years.Article 39(e): Directs the state to protect children from exploitation and hazardous work 2. Child Labour (Protection and Regulation) Amendment Act,2016-bans child labour below 14 years in all occupations 3. The Right to Education Act, 2009---mandates free and compulsory education for children aged 6-14.4.Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection) Act, 2015-Punishes those who employ children in hazardous conditions. The challenging domainsChildhood is the first stage of human life.Child work is one facet of child abuse or exploitation.The issue occurs if the child labour industry's economic function is exploited or if it interferes with the child's ability to develop physically and mentally in a balanced manner.Because it has a severe negative impact on their physical and mental health, child employment is problematic and continues to pose a serious danger to human rights.In order to breathe freely, they also require a healthy atmosphere.Furthermore, a breach of healthy childhood leads to significant social barriers later on.