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A Global Shame:The Humanitarian and Economic Toll of Child Labour in the 21st Century - Contribution by Dr Neel Doshi

Globalisation has had a wide range of effects, both good and bad. One of the negative repercussions of globalisation is the rise of child labour. Child labour is the use of juveniles in a job or industry, typically in hazardous or exploitative situations. This essay will look at the financial and health consequences of child labour in the context of globalisation. The medical aspect of child labour is among the most troubling problems. When compelled to work, children frequently endure hazardous situations that can cause accidents or even death. Injurious substances like pesticides, chemicals, and other poisonous materials are also exposed to these kids, which can have a negative impact on their long-term health. Children working in agriculture, for instance, are frequently exposed to pesticides, which can cause neurological and developmental issues. Youngsters who work in factories are frequently exposed to hazardous chemicals, which can cause cancer and respiratory issues.

Children who work while still young may also experience psychological repercussions. Children who frequently miss out on social and educational opportunities due to working parents may develop sadness and low self-esteem. Additionally, child workers run the risk of being abused physically and mentally by their employers.

Businesses frequently perceive child labour as a low-cost source of labour from an economic perspective. This is especially true in developing countries, where many families are eager to send their children to work to boost their income since they live in poverty. Child labour enables businesses to create items more cheaply, increasing their profits. However, this practise is unethical and violates the rights of children.

Additionally, child labour can affect a nation's economy in the long run. Being forced to work prevents children from receiving an education, which reduces their earning potential and future opportunities. This may result in a vicious cycle of poverty and the inability to escape it. Additionally, nations that continue to tolerate child labour may be subject to financial penalties or a boycott of their goods, both of which could harm those nations' economies.

Globalisation has increased as a result of the globalisation of labour, which has detrimental repercussions for the economy and health. Forced labour exposes kids to dangerous working conditions and puts them at risk for long-term health issues. Even though it violates children's rights and can have long-term economic effects on nations, child labour is frequently seen as a low-cost source of labour for businesses. Countries must deal with this problem and take action to abolish child labour. This requires establishing rules and legislation to safeguard children, as well as providing working children with access to education and other possibilities. Then and only then will we be able to honestly claim that we are building a world that is fair and just for everyone.

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