Child labor problem in the world and in Turkey

Despite all international regulations, legal and institutional measures to end child labor, this problem remains a widespread problem in the world and especially in developing countries. This situation shows that the underlying reasons for child labor are deep and multi-dimensional and indicates that the effectiveness of current regulations is limited. Although the underlying reasons for child labor are multi-dimensional, it is generally known that the main source of child labor is poverty. Dragging children to work is seen as a solution to escape poverty. However, children who are directed to work instead of receiving education due to poverty are deprived of the knowledge and experience they can gain through education, and therefore lose their chances of working in high-income jobs in the future. This situation appears to lead to a vicious circle that causes poverty to be inherited by the next generation. In this study, basic concepts regarding the employment of children are included and different views on some concepts are evaluated. Explanations are made about the causes of the child labor problem by focusing on the historical development of child labor. By evaluating child labor statistics in the world and in Turkey in the light of the activities carried out within the scope of the 2021 International Year for the Elimination of Child Labor, it is aimed to provide information about the current situation of child labor in the national and international arena and the progress taken on the child labor problem.