Two ILO conventions form the backbone of the global fight against child labour. One sets a minimum working age. The other bans its worst forms outright.
✊ Must Know
Convention 138: Minimum Age
- What it does ILO Convention 138 sets a minimum working age.
- The floor That age is generally not below the age for finishing compulsory schooling, and never below 15.
- Flexibility Less-developed economies may set 14 as the general minimum, and allow light work from age 12.
Convention 182: Worst Forms
- What it does ILO Convention 182 targets the worst forms of child labour, for all children under 18.
- Universal ratification It became the first ILO convention ever ratified by every UN member state.
💡 Good to Know
Both Are About Child Labour
- Shared theme Conventions 138 and 182 are the ILO’s two core child-labour instruments.
- The split One covers minimum age. The other covers the worst forms.
Measurable Progress
- Decline Child labour fell by nearly 40% between 2000 and 2016. Ratification of both conventions rose over the same period.
Test Yourself
🌟 Great to Know
Exam Angle
- Watch for Conventions 138 and 182 relate to child labour. They have nothing to do with climate adaptation, food security, or gender parity, the usual decoys.
📝 Previous Year Questions
UPSC CSP 2018 — What ILO Conventions 138 and 182 Cover
- UPSC 2018 The correct answer is (a) Child labour. Convention 138 sets a minimum working age. Convention 182 targets the worst forms of child labour. See UPSC CSP 2018 GS Paper I, Q30.
Beyond the answer
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