The Dhaka Times Desk Millions of children are at risk of forced labor due to the economic crisis caused by the deadly coronavirus pandemic worldwide.
Therefore, the progress achieved in reducing child labor in the last two decades is going to be wiped out due to this corona. The International Labor Organization (ILO) and the United Nations Children's Fund - UNICEF recently highlighted this concern in a joint briefing.
According to the statement titled 'Covid-19 and Child Labour: Crisis Period and Actions' on the occasion of Child Labor Prevention Day, the global incidence of child labor has been reduced to 94 million since 2000. But that success is now at risk due to Corona.
The ILO and UNICEF reports also state that children are already forced to work long hours or are exposed to terrible conditions. Many of them are also being forced into hard labour, which is causing harm to their health and safety.
In this regard, ILO Secretary General Guy Reider said, since the pandemic is wreaking havoc on family incomes, many families are forced to send children to work because they are helpless. Social security is very important in this crisis because it helps the most vulnerable sections of the society.
According to the statement, it can be seen that due to the corona virus, global poverty will increase and thus child labor will also increase. The reason is that families will want to survive at any cost. Some surveys suggest that poverty will increase by one percent in some countries. This will increase child labor by 0.7 percent.
UNICEF Executive Director Henrietta Fore said child labor is one way for some families to cope during times of crisis. As poverty rises, schools are closed and social services are reduced due to the coronavirus, more children are being pushed into work - and that's only natural in such circumstances.
Henrietta added, "If we envision a post-Corona world, we need to plan how a child and their family can handle such crises in the future." And in this regard, quality education, social security services and improved economic benefits are believed to act as 'game changers'.
The statement also said that due to the closure of schools due to the corona pandemic, there is already evidence of child labor increasing in the country. At least 1 billion children in 130 countries of the world have closed their schools due to Corona. Fears have been expressed that some families will not be able to send their children for education even if the schools are open. It is almost certain that child labor will increase.
Things to do to prevent Corona virus
# stay at home all the time.
# Follow the rules and use mask when going out for emergency.
# three-layer surgical mask can be washed if desired.
# wash clothes after coming home from outside. Or hang it without shaking for at least four hours.
# Wash hands thoroughly (for at least 20 seconds) with soap or liquid before coming outside.
# plastic PPE or eyes, face, head must be washed thoroughly with detergent and dried after one use.
# Wear PPE made of cloth or clean as described.
# Use a head cap that completely covers the hair.
# Those who have sneeze cough should follow all the rules promulgated by the government. Also, wash hands as directed before and after handling food items, keys, switches, mice, remote controls, mobiles, watches, computer desks, TVs, etc. and after using the bathroom. Those who have dry hands use Moisture after washing their hands. Soap or hand liquid can be used. Why can this virus remain in the crackle (cracked part) of dry hands? Avoid using highly alkaline soaps or detergents.
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