COVID-19 pandemic
A report by the International Labour Organization and UNICEF states that approximately 160 million children, over half of them aged between five and 11, are involved in child labour, the highest figures in 20 years. The report blames the COVID-19 pandemic for increasing both the rates of child labour and the hours worked. It also cautions that the amount of children entering the workforce could rise between nine and 46 million by the end of next year if the pandemic is not put under control and if they continue to lack access to important social services.
Sources: NPR