9 Best Charities for Child Labor That Make A Difference 2023

Does child labor break your heart? Are you driven to make a positive difference but unsure where to start? Are you searching for the best charities for child labor that are tenaciously working to liberate young lives from the chains of forced labor? Your search ends here.

This article takes you on a journey to discover nine such extraordinary charities fighting the good fight against child labor. Their missions are as inspiring as they are impactful, and their tireless efforts have transformed countless lives worldwide. So, buckle up and prepare to delve into the inspiring world of these organizations that empower children to rise above labor and reclaim their stolen futures.

9 Best Charities for Child Labor Making a Positive Change

1. Global March Against Child Labor

Global March Against Child Labour is a leading force in the fight against child labor, widely recognized for its unwavering commitment and tangible impact. It began as a massive international mobilization in the late 1990s, rallying people from all corners of the world to march together in a resounding protest against child labor. It was supported by over 7 million people from 103 countries.

What is the Global March doing to stop child labor today?

Today, it operates as a global network of trade unions, teachers, and civil society organizations, steadfastly working toward the elimination of child labor. The Global March advocates for changes in national and international policies, and promotes universal education as a key strategy in combating child labor. It also collaborates with other organizations, governments, and businesses to protect children’s rights and improve their living conditions.

A crowning achievement of the Global March was its instrumental role in the formulation and adoption of the International Labour Organization’s Convention No. 182, a landmark treaty that calls for the prohibition and immediate action for the elimination of the worst forms of child labor.

Supporting the Global March can be as simple as spreading the word about their mission or as significant as donating funds to fuel their initiatives. It is one of the only charitable organizations in the world actively engaged in the sole task of ending child labor. If you want to specifically allocate your time or money to make the world a better place for children – a world where no child is deprived of their childhood by forced labor, support this organization.

2. International Cocoa Initiative

The Cocoa Initiative stands as a formidable force in the battle against child labor, specifically within the cocoa industry of West Africa. This foundation offers a targeted approach, dedicating its resources and efforts to combat child labor and promote child protection in cocoa-growing communities.

What does the Cocoa initiative do?

Working in collaboration with the cocoa and chocolate industry, governments, and communities, the Cocoa Initiative develops and implements innovative strategies to prevent child labor. The organization focuses on strengthening child protection systems, enhancing community capacities, and advocating for responsive national policies. Their efforts extend to advancing the rights and well-being of children, supporting their education, and promoting gender equality.

Among their key achievements is the Child Labour Monitoring and Remediation System (CLMRS), a tool designed to identify, monitor, and combat child labor at the community level. It has already been implemented in several cocoa cooperatives, reaching tens of thousands of children and families and setting it apart from other NGOs in this field. The CLMRS has been instrumental in bringing down child labor amongst identified children by almost 50%.

To support the Cocoa Initiative, one can donate funds, advocate for their mission, or support businesses that responsibly source their cocoa products. By endorsing the Cocoa Initiative, you contribute to a cause that is not only fighting child labor but also working towards ensuring the sustainable future of cocoa production, where children’s rights are universally respected.

3. ECPAT International

ECPAT International is an acclaimed organization in the fight against child labor, particularly focusing on the elimination of child exploitation and trafficking. With a network extending across over 100 countries, ECPAT’s mission is unyielding and far-reaching.

What does ECPAT stand for?

ECPAT originally stood for End Child Prostitution in Asian Tourism. But an organization was officially registered by the campaigners of this cause in 1997 when ECPAT stood for End Child Prostitution And Trafficking. In 2017, however, the official name of the organization changed to ECPAT International.

What does ECPAT International do?

The organization undertakes a multifaceted approach to tackle child exploitation. It spearheads research, advocacy, and policy initiatives, and supports the development of practical tools and strategies to end child sexual exploitation, a horrendous form of child labor often overlooked.

ECPAT’s noteworthy achievements include the development of The Code, an industry-driven initiative to protect children from sexual exploitation in travel and tourism. This unique venture not only makes ECPAT stand out among other NGOs but also serves as a testament to its innovative approach to combating child exploitation.

ECPAT also played a key role in the adoption of the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child on the sale of children, child prostitution, and child pornography, which has been ratified by over 170 countries.

To support ECPAT International, one can donate to fund their programs, join or support their local affiliate organizations, or engage in advocacy to raise awareness about child exploitation and its devastating impact. By standing with ECPAT, you are contributing to a global effort to end the sexual exploitation of children and guarantee a safer world for future generations.

4. GoodWeave

What is the mission of GoodWeave?

GoodWeave is a shining example of an organization making a substantial difference in the fight against child labor. Founded by Nobel Laureate Kailash Satyarthi, GoodWeave takes a unique sector-specific approach, striving to end child labor in the carpet industry, a sector where the issue is rampant.

What does GoodWeave do for child labor?

GoodWeave’s approach to ending child labor is threefold: it works to change business practices, uplift communities, and aid the rescue and rehabilitation of children forced into labor. Its certification program ensures that any carpet bearing the GoodWeave label is produced without child labor, adult forced labor or bonded labor.

GoodWeave has made remarkable strides in reducing child labor within the carpet industry. Since its inception, it has rescued over 9,700 children from labor and exploitation and provided education to nearly 46,000 children. The organization’s targeted strategy and direct impact on individual lives set it apart from many other NGOs in this field.

To support GoodWeave, individuals and businesses can donate, purchase rugs bearing the GoodWeave label, or advocate for child-labor-free supply chains in their communities. By supporting GoodWeave, you contribute to the creation of market demand for child-labor-free goods, thereby promoting ethical business practices and transforming children’s lives.

5. Child Rights and You (CRY)

What does CRY do to stop child labor?

Child Rights and You (CRY) is an Indian-based organization that has consistently emerged as a robust champion in the fight against child labor. Focused on the belief that every child deserves an equal chance at a brighter future, CRY works relentlessly to ensure the fundamental rights of all children, including the right to be free from work and have access to quality education.

CRY takes a comprehensive approach to eradicating child labor. The organization not only works to rescue children from labor and reintegrate them into society, but it also addresses the systemic issues that contribute to child labor. This includes advocating for policy changes, raising community awareness about children’s rights, and investing in development projects to alleviate poverty, a key factor leading to child labor.

CRY’s contributions and achievements are expansive. It has impacted the lives of over 3 million children across 4,000 underprivileged communities through more than 200 dedicated projects. Its distinct blend of direct intervention, capacity building, advocacy, and linkages to public services sets it apart from other NGOs.

Support for CRY can come in multiple forms. You can donate funds, sponsor a child’s education, participate in their fundraising events, or even volunteer your time and skills. By supporting CRY, you join a mission that goes beyond child rescue – you partake in transforming the structural fabric of society to create an environment where all children can flourish.

6. Save the Children

Save the Children is a globally recognized charity working relentlessly to better the lives of children around the world, and it holds a distinguished position in the battle against child labor. Established over a century ago, Save the Children has consistently championed children’s rights and strived to improve their futures.

What does Save the Children do for child labor?

The organization adopts a multi-pronged approach to end child labor. It works to strengthen national child protection systems, implement child-sensitive social protection schemes, and advance the quality of education. Understanding that child labor is a consequence of complex socio-economic factors, it also addresses issues like poverty, inequality, and lack of access to quality education that often lead to child labor.

Save the Children’s extensive reach and considerable impact underscore its significant role in this field. Operating in over 100 countries, it has positively affected the lives of countless children. Its founder, Eglyntyne Jebb, wrote the very first convention on child rights. The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC), a legally binding international convention was created by her.

Seeing the post-pandemic increase in child labor, Save the Children is committed to making a difference by bolstering communities, supporting small-scale farming cooperatives, campaigning for policy changes, and fortifying systems to identify and eradicate child labor from supply chains. Their comprehensive strategy ensures that the most vulnerable children in agricultural communities are protected from labor exploitation and are granted the rights and opportunities they deserve.

To support Save the Children, you can make a donation, sponsor a child, fund a specific project, or even advocate for children’s rights within your own community.

7. Mountain Child

Mountain Child is an exceptional organization that strives to eliminate child labor, with a specific focus on children living in the remote and mountainous regions of Nepal. Understanding the unique challenges faced by these children, Mountain Child adopts a community-centric approach to improve their lives.

What does Mountain Child do for child labor?

The organization employs a holistic model encompassing Health, Education, Child Trafficking, Child Labor, and Remote Access Operation areas. The model enables it to address the root causes of child labor in these regions, providing health and educational resources, combating trafficking, and reaching out to the most isolated communities.

Mountain Child has achieved remarkable success in its mission. The organization’s efforts have resulted in the establishment of health clinics, schools, and safe houses in remote areas, directly benefiting thousands of children and their families. It’s the organization’s geographically-focused approach and commitment to tackling multiple interconnected issues that sets it apart from many other NGOs and makes it a charity worth supporting.

To support Mountain Child, you can make a donation, participate in a service trek to experience their work firsthand or raise awareness about their cause within your own network. By supporting Mountain Child, you help ensure that even the most remote and disadvantaged children are not left behind in the fight against child labor.

8. ECLT Foundation

The Eliminating Child Labour in Tobacco Growing Foundation, more commonly known as the ECLT Foundation, is a unique entity in the fight against child labor. Focused specifically on the tobacco-growing sector, the ECLT Foundation works tirelessly to prevent and eliminate child labor in tobacco fields, where the issue is particularly pervasive.

The ECLT Foundation employs a range of strategies to end child labor. This includes promoting sustainable agriculture, enhancing access to quality education, improving livelihoods, and advocating for stronger legal and policy frameworks. Its approach is holistic, addressing both the immediate and root causes of child labor.

Among its many achievements, the ECLT Foundation has kept away or removed over 200,000 children from child labor and over 33,000 children were sent to school. It has also facilitated the passage of national action plans against child labor in Uganda and Malawi.

To support the ECLT Foundation, you can make a financial contribution or spread awareness about child labor in the tobacco industry and the Foundation’s work. By supporting the ECLT Foundation, you contribute to creating an industry where child labor is a thing of the past and all children have the opportunity to enjoy their childhoods and reach their full potential.

9. World Vision

World Vision, a globally recognized humanitarian organization, holds a distinctive position in the struggle against child labor. Its faith-based, child-focused approach has seen it transform the lives of vulnerable children across nearly 100 countries.

What is World Vision doing to end child labor?

To tackle child labor, World Vision uses a multi-layered approach.

World Vision employs a multifaceted approach to combat child labor. World Vision combats child labor by improving education, supporting parental income, advocating for law enforcement, and promoting accountability. They also engage communities in safeguarding vulnerable children and empower youths with skills and entrepreneurship programs, working to eradicate child labor and build sustainable change.

World Vision’s impact is substantial. Its child sponsorship program alone has touched the lives of millions of children, and its advocacy has influenced policies in numerous countries, contributing to global efforts to combat child labor. Moreover, its community-based approach and focus on long-term sustainable change set it apart from many other NGOs.

Supporting World Vision can involve child sponsorship, financial donations, gift catalog purchases, or volunteering in various capacities. By supporting World Vision, you are not only helping to end child labor but also contributing to the organization’s larger mission of helping children live life in all its fullness.

Other Non-Profits For Children Working Towards Eradication of Child Labor Practices

In addition to the non-profit charities listed above that work actively towards ending child labor, there are many other charities for children that work towards a range of diverse causes associated with children including ending child labor are

1. International Labour Organization (ILO): Sets labor standards and promotes policies to end child labor globally.
2. UNICEF: Protects and upholds children’s rights, including their right to be free from labor.
3. Anti-Slavery International: Fights to end all forms of modern slavery, including child labor, across the world.
4. Fairtrade Foundation: Advocates for better working conditions and fair pay for producers, aiming to eliminate child labor in supply chains.
5. The Kailash Satyarthi Children’s Foundation (KSCF): Works to end child labor and ensure children’s access to education and fundamental rights.
6. Children’s Rights Division of Human Rights Watch (HRW): Investigates and exposes child labor abuses globally and advocates for stronger protections.
7. Free the Slaves: Liberates children from slavery and alters the conditions that allow slavery to persist.
8. Fair Labor Association: Promotes and protects workers’ rights, including preventing child labor, in international supply chains.
9. CARE: Fights poverty and provides opportunities for education and employment to eradicate child labor.
10. ChildFund International: Focuses on child development and protection, and combats child labor by addressing its root causes.
11. Global Child Forum: Promotes children’s rights in business practices, including eliminating child labor.

Why Your Support to Charities Fighting Child Labor Matters

Your support to charities fighting child labor is not just a donation, it’s an investment in the future. When you aid these organizations, you help break the cycle of poverty and exploitation that forces children into labor, and instead, pave the way for them to access education, health services, and the freedom to enjoy their childhood.

Your contributions, whether financial, through volunteering, or by amplifying these issues in your network, play a crucial role in transforming lives.

Together, we can ensure that every child is free from labor, free to dream, and free to carve out a better future for themselves and their communities. Remember, it’s not just about making a difference, it’s about making the only difference that matters – one that impacts a child’s life.