UN calls for renewed efforts to end child labor on World Day Against Child Labor 

United Nations, June 12 (RHC)-- June 12th marks World Day Against Child Labor – an annual event to raise awareness of the economic and social consequences of child labor on children.

Around the world, at least 160 million children above the age of five – nearly 10 percent – are involved in child labor.

According to the UN, children are classified as child laborers when they are either too young to work, or are involved in hazardous activities that may compromise their physical, mental, social or educational development.

The largest share of child labor around the world is in the agriculture sector, accounting for 70 percent of children aged 5 to 17 in work.

At least 79 million children around the world are involved in hazardous work, which often poses a risk to the health and safety of the child.

Child labor not only deprives children of the right to education but also limits opportunities for growth, restricts their rights, and limits their future opportunities, which can lead to a vicious cycle of poverty.

Many children are forced to work in unsanitary conditions, often without safety gear.  Anything that could harm a child’s health and mental wellbeing is considered hazardous work.  This includes work in agriculture, mining, construction, and manufacturing, as well as hotels, bars, restaurants, markets and domestic services.