ESG Elephant Explained: Child Labour

Up next in our ESG Elephant series, we’re diving into the social part. And we're zooming in on child labour. Because yes, child labour sadly remains a reality today.  

In fact, according to UNICEF, about 1 in 5 children from ages 5-17 are involved in child labor in the world’s poorest countries. 

Need a child labour policy for your company? 

Reach out and we’ve got you covered.

The numbers speak for themselves

It’s a sad and hard truth.

One that we have to acknowledge.  

According to a report by the International Labour Organization (ILO) and UNICEF, the number of children in child labor has risen to 160 million worldwide. 

An increase of 8.4 million in recent years.   

Around 79 million of these children are doing dangerous work jeopardizing their health and future development.  

The sub-Saharan Africa holds the boring record for child labour with nearly 87 million children involved in some sort of child labour.   

   

So, what should you do?

Dealing with child labour is not easy.

Because on the one hand, we all know exploiting human beings – especially children – is just plain wrong.

But on the other hand, many families rely on the income that comes from it, meaning if you fire them, they will just go somewhere else to work.

No matter how wrong it is.

So, what do you do?

Here are our recommendations:

  • Create and enforce a child labour policy aligned with international standards on child labour (we can help you with that, by the way);

  • Build awareness among staff, subcontractors, and supply chain partners;

  • Actively monitor facilities to make sure your standards and requirements are followed;

  • Maintain required permits and parental consent documentation;

  • Develop special considerations and working conditions for the young workers – for instance type of work and working hours; and

  • Implement a system to identify and document proof of age for young workers. 

With strong policies, awareness, and collaboration, companies can make a lasting impact. 

Every action, no matter how small, moves us closer to a world where children are free to learn, grow, and thrive. 

Check out a more detailed guide on child labour here.  

And of course, reach out to us to get help following the steps above. 

 

SustainabilityANNE KATRINE BLIRUPesg, child labour