Pope Francis called for an end to child labor, and we must act – National Catholic Reporter

Introduction

In his first general audience of the year, Pope Francis called on the global community to eradicate child labor, emphasizing that we cannot accept the loss of childhood and dreams for millions of children. This urgent call to service aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the need to uphold justice and dignity for every child.

The Systemic Drivers of Child Labor

Child labor is not an isolated issue but a result of deeply entrenched systemic drivers. The demand for cheap and fast production, coupled with the impunity of corporations that profit from vulnerable communities, perpetuates child labor. Currently, at least 160 million children worldwide are exploited through child labor, making it a crisis that affects the most vulnerable populations. The pope’s call for global action urges us to address these systemic drivers and work towards justice and dignity for every child.

• Corporate giants, including fast fashion brands like Shein and Temu, rely on labor abuses across supply chains and manufacturing.
• Algorithm-driven trends incentivize fast production models, leading to labor exploitation.
• Companies like HelloFresh allegedly rely on labor from migrant children, highlighting the hidden costs of cheap and convenient purchasing.

The Role of Agriculture and Poverty

The International Labour Organization reports that a majority of child labor exists in agriculture, including garment production, forestry, livestock, and fishing. Children are often targeted for exploitation due to their vulnerability and their families’ struggle to survive hunger and poverty. To address child labor, we must recognize our own role in the consumption of products that contribute to a fractured economy reliant on human suffering.

Enforcing Children’s Rights and Consumer Choices

Corporations currently enjoy a great deal of impunity, making it challenging to hold them accountable for labor abuses. As communities, we must demand stronger enforcement and monitoring from our governments to protect children’s rights. As consumers, we have the power to make conscious and ethical purchasing choices, sending a message that the well-being of children is more important than satisfying our material needs at the lowest cost.

Addressing Root Causes and Supporting Victims

Child labor must be addressed at every phase by confronting its root causes and providing support for victims. Pope Francis calls us to serve children who are victims of exploitation and marginalization caused by poverty, conflict, social exclusion, environmental crises, and gender-based injustice. Survivors of labor exploitation require comprehensive, survivor-informed care to heal and grow, ensuring they have the opportunity to pursue education and experience a safe and healthy childhood.

Taking Action for a Just Society

Addressing the vulnerabilities that put children at risk is within our control. We must challenge a world where wealth accumulation by corporations and powerful individuals exacerbates the suffering of marginalized communities. We have the power to alleviate poverty, provide care for victims of global crises, and push for a world free from injustice and abuse. Concrete actions can include raising awareness, making ethical purchases, and demanding accountability and urgent action from lawmakers against exploitative businesses.

Conclusion

Pope Francis’s call to eradicate child labor aligns with the SDGs and emphasizes the importance of defending human rights. In a world facing multiple crises, it is crucial that we recognize the impact of our actions and the need to serve those who are most vulnerable. By acting now, in any and every way we can, we can contribute to a just society where all individuals can flourish in dignity.