Popular South Indian film star and UNICEF Celebrity Advocate, Ms Trisha Krishnan, pledged her support to end all forms of child labour.
Speaking at signature campaign and a rally organized by the labour department to mark the world day against child labour, she said “Children are employed as they can be easily exploited. Child labour can severely affect children’s health, safety and cognitive development. These risks can have an irreversible impact on their development, health and wellbeing.”
Stressing on importance of education as a magic bullet for a better future of a child, she told “All children should be school. Education is magic bullet, as it can help children grow up in safe and healthy environment for a better future.”
Her support is a shot in the arm for the labour department who are determined to end child labour in the state. According to the census the incident of child labour in Tamil Nadu has reduced from 4, 18,801 cases in 2001 to 1, 51,437 in 2011.
Lauding Trisha’s support and the state government’s efforts, Mr Job Zachariah, Chief of UNICEF Tamil Nadu & Kerala said “Child labour is a gross violation of child rights. It robs children their childhood as they cannot attend school, learn and play. They are often found to be depressed as they are neglected, exploited and abused.” 
The world day against child labour is observed on 12 June. Every year this day brings together all actors including government and civil society organizations to highlight the plight of child labourers. The Sustainable Development Goals adopted by the world leaders in 2015 aim to end all forms of child labour by 2025.
UNICEF works in some of the world’s toughest places, to reach the world’s most disadvantaged children. Across 190 countries and territories, we work for every child, everywhere, to build a better world for everyone. For more information about UNICEF and its work for children visit www.unicef.org.
