Every child deserves a bright future filled with promise and potential. Children also deserve to be safe from harm. Despite this, the harsh reality is that many children in this world are still at risk of neglect, abuse, and exploitation. So what is exploitation? In this article, we delve into this concept, give common exploitation examples, and go over the work we are doing to combat child labour.
For more than a century, Save the Children has been a stalwart advocate for the rights of children. Annually, we extend our support to millions of children and their families across over 100 countries. Our global initiatives are evidence-based and centred around the needs of children. In times of disaster, we are on the frontlines, providing immediate life-saving aid to children and their families, as well as long-term recovery support. Children are at the heart of all we do - we strive to protect and empower them, ensure their voices are amplified, and remain unwavering in our mission to ensure every child not only survives but thrives.
What is exploitation?
Exploitation is the unjust treatment of individuals, often for the benefit of others. Children, due to their inherent vulnerability, are particularly susceptible to such practices. Common exploitation examples include child trafficking, enslavement, and labour exploitation.
Factory work is one of the most common forms of labour exploitation of children, though it’s sadly not uncommon for children’s labour to be exploited on farms and in private residences under harsh conditions. This form of exploitation can have severe long-term effects on children, whose bodies and minds are still developing. In some countries, poverty compels families to send their children to work, further exacerbating the issue.
Our fight against child labour
Our mission is to end child labour in all forms by 2025. Our teams operate in regions where children are most at risk of exploitation, including South Central Asia where child marriage and forced child labour are two of the biggest challenges faced by children.
In Afghanistan, for instance, an estimated one million children are now engaged in child labour as the dire economic conditions force families to send their children to work.