In this largely unregulated mica mining industry, there are about 10000 child laborers like Tenasoya. This silicate mineral is used in paints, automotive parts, and cosmetics to produce a "shiny" effect.

These children, along with their parents and grandparents, work hard in dangerous environments, inhaling harmful dust and entering structurally unstable mines. Most of them have already dropped out of school.

Turner's grandfather Soja said, "If you don't work, you won't have food to eat. That's the reality. Men, women, children, and all ages have to work to survive

Although the United Nations set the global goal of "eliminating child labor by 2025" as early as 2015, the "Child Labor Report" jointly released by the International Labour Organization and UNICEF on Wednesday shows that progress has been slow and full of obstacles.

The report estimates that there are still 138 million child laborers (a decrease of 12 million from 2020). Two organizations are calling for accelerated action to eliminate child labor.

The data confirms the feasibility of eliminating child labor, but we still have a long way to go to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals, "said Hong Bo, Director General of the International Labour Organization

Dangerous work
Since 2000, the number of child laborers worldwide has decreased by over 100 million, indicating that the international community has a "roadmap" to eliminate child labor. However, the road ahead is still long.

UNICEF Executive Director Russell pointed out that there are still too many children engaged in hazardous labor in mines, factories, or fields, just to barely make a living.

Smith, an expert on child labor at the International Labour Organization, emphasized to United Nations News that there must be a clear definition of the essential difference between child labor and ordinary household chores or assisting parents. It specifically refers to jobs that often endanger the safety of children's lives.

Out of 138 million child laborers, 54 million had their childhood buried in mines and dangerous workshops. 13-year-old Onoline is one of them - from morning till night, in the gravel field of Benin, her slender figure is priced according to the number of gravel barrels collected. The girl who dreams of becoming a hairdresser is gradually depositing her meager income into her savings account.

Childhood trauma behind data
A young boy in Thailand takes a break while working in high temperatures.
UNICEF/Run Roisri
The report reveals a dilemma of intergenerational transmission: children trapped in the child labor system are often deprived of educational opportunities, and this deprivation will erode their future development possibilities, ultimately forming a vicious cycle.

The chief author of the report, Blanco, emphasized that the issue of child labor should not be viewed solely as cold data. Behind every number lies a concrete life deprived of the right to education, protection, and a dignified future.

In the Rohingya refugee camp in Bangladesh, 13-year-old Nur was ordered by his parents to drop out of school to support his family. Until the center social worker funded by UNICEF discovered his situation and persuaded him to return to school.

I once dreamed of becoming a teacher, thinking it would never come true. But now, I believe again that I can become the ideal teacher through learning, "Nur said, holding a brand new exercise book in his hand.

The Way of Comprehensive Governance
In the report, UNICEF and the International Labour Organization proposed that the issue of child labor must be addressed through a multidimensional linkage of education, economic, and social policies.

The study also reveals that without addressing the core driving force that forces families to have their children work, namely poverty, it will be difficult to truly eliminate child labor. Protecting the rights and interests of parents is equally crucial.

Smith pointed out, "We adopt a holistic governance framework because improving working conditions for adults is equally important as eliminating child labor - poverty is the root cause of child labor problems

Given regional differences, a state led governance model is particularly important. The report shows that although the number of child laborers worldwide has generally decreased, sub Saharan Africa still accounts for two-thirds of the total number of child laborers worldwide.

Childhood dreams that have been put on hold
Due to a shortage of funds, efforts to eliminate child labor are facing significant obstacles.

Russell warns, "Global funding cuts may undo our hard won gains. The international community must reaffirm its commitment to ensure that every child has access to desks in the classroom and laughter on the playground, rather than labor in the mines

10-year-old Adwara once had a dream of going to school. The boy, who had barely balanced his studies and work, had to give up the opportunity to go to school because he had to raise eight brothers and sisters. In the end, the teacher advised him to withdraw because he missed classes too much.

I long to go to school. "He, who earns about $35 a day in a gold mine in Ethiopia, said he wants to become a useful person.