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World Day Against Child Labour.

Today, an estimated 246 million children worldwide are engaged in some kind of labour, about 180 million of them in hazardous conditions. To focus global attention on the urgent need to eradicate this practice, the International Labour Organization (ILO) has designated June 12 as World Day Against Child Labour. In addition to being denied education, children who work are frequently victims of mistreatment, physical violence and psychological abuse. Girls are even more vulnerable, often becoming easy targets of sexual abuse by employers and co-workers. UNICEF believes that child labour not only hinders children’s well-being but also slows the world’s progress in achieving its long-term development goals. Along with partners such as the ILO, UNESCO and the World Bank, UNICEF has formed the Global Task Force on Child Labour and Education for All to promote policies, generate resources and put in place practical measures that combat child labour.