World Day Against Child Labor – June 12, 2025

“Every child deserves a pencil, not a pickaxe”

The International Human Rights Observer (IHRO) joins the global community in observing World Day Against Child Labor, a United Nations-designated day that underscores the urgent need to eliminate child labor in all its forms and to uphold the rights of every child to education, protection, and a life of dignity.

On this occasion, we pay tribute to the legacy of Iqbal Masih, a young Pakistani child who was forced into bonded labor at the age of four and later emerged as a powerful symbol of resistance against child exploitation. His courageous advocacy helped expose the harsh realities of child labor in Pakistan and inspired international efforts to combat it. Iqbal’s life was tragically cut short at the age of 12, but his voice continues to echo in the global movement for child rights and justice.

This year’s observance reinforces the global commitment to achieving Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 8.7, which calls for the complete eradication of child labor by 2025. While meaningful progress has been made, millions of children across the world including in Pakistan ,are still engaged in work that is harmful to their development and violates their fundamental rights.

IHRO remains committed to:

• Advocating for the enforcement of national and international child protection laws
• Conducting awareness campaigns to highlight the social and legal implications of child labor
• Supporting efforts to ensure universal access to quality education
• Promoting multisector cooperation to address the root causes of child labor, such as poverty and lack of access to opportunities.

As we observe this important day, IHRO urges policymakers, civil society, and all concerned stakeholders to take stronger, coordinated action to ensure that no child is left behind and that every child has the opportunity to grow up in a safe, nurturing environment.

Together, let us stand for justice, equity, and the protection of our future generations.