Ending Poverty Injustice and Modern-Day Slavery: A Global Challenge
Poverty and modern-day slavery continue to afflict millions of people worldwide, posing significant challenges to human rights, social justice, and ending poverty injustice. This article examines the persistent issues of extreme poverty and child labor, shedding light on the current state of affairs and the need for concerted efforts to bring about lasting change.
The Persistence of Poverty
In recent decades, there have been notable strides in reducing extreme poverty, but the rate of decline has slowed. According to the World Bank, between 1990 and 2015, there was a 35-percentage point decline in extreme poverty. However, the South Asia region saw only an 8 percent decrease in individuals living on less than $3.20 a day, with over 80 percent still below the $5.50 threshold. Furthermore, access to electricity and adequate sanitation remains a pressing issue for many households.[1]
World Bank Group President Jim Yong Kim emphasized the need for increased investment, particularly in building human capital, to foster inclusive growth and effectively address the remaining challenges of poverty. The goal of eradicating poverty by 2030 requires a comprehensive approach that prioritizes the well-being and development of all individuals affected by poverty.[2]
Modern-Day Slavery: The Plight of Child Labor
Child labor represents a grave injustice affecting millions of children worldwide. The International Labour Organization (ILO) reports that 152 million children, comprising 64 million girls and 88 million boys, are engaged in child labor globally. Shockingly, nearly half of them, 73 million children, are involved in hazardous work that jeopardizes their health, safety, and moral development. A broader measure, including permitted forms of employment involving children of legal working age, reveals that 218 million children are affected.[3]
The root causes of child labor are multifaceted, ranging from poverty and lack of access to education to social prejudice and inadequate legal protection. To combat this pressing issue, it is crucial to implement a comprehensive set of solutions. These may include strengthening labor laws, providing quality education and vocational training, promoting ethical business practices, and empowering communities and families through social support programs.
Addressing poverty and modern-day slavery requires a collective effort from governments, international organizations, civil society, and individuals. It is imperative to foster awareness and mobilize resources to advocate for policy reforms, support initiatives aimed at eradicating child labor, and promote sustainable economic growth that leaves no one behind.
The persistence of poverty and modern-day slavery demands our urgent attention and action. By sponsoring a child through GFA World, you can be part of the solution and contribute to a brighter future for vulnerable children. Through your sponsorship you can help empower lives and break the chains of poverty. You can help provide essential resources like education, healthcare, and clean water, laying the foundation for a brighter and more equitable world. Join us in this critical mission of transformation and create a lasting impact that reaches far beyond the life of a single child. Together, we can build a society where no child is left behind.
Learn more about combating poverty inequality[1] “Nearly Half the World Lives on Less than $5.50 a Day.” World Bank. https://www.worldbank.org/en/news/press-release/2018/10/17/nearly-half-the-world-lives-on-less-than-550-a-day. October 17, 2018.
[2] “Decline of Global Extreme Poverty Continues but Has Slowed: World Bank.” World Bank. https://www.worldbank.org/en/news/press-release/2018/09/19/decline-of-global-extreme-poverty-continues-but-has-slowed-world-bank. September 19, 2018.
[3] “Global estimates of child labour: Results and trends, 2012-2016.” International Labour Organization. 2017. https://www.ilo.org/wcmsp5/groups/public/—dgreports/—dcomm/documents/publication/wcms_575541.pdf.