Pope Francis denounces child exploitation as a problem of civilization

Pope Francis today denounced child exploitation, which he considered a violation against human dignity, and asked all social actors to work to eradicate its causes.

The Argentine pontiff made this appeal when he received today the participants of the International Conference “Eradicate child labor, build a better future”, which is being held at the Vatican.

“The scourge of child labor, on which you are reflecting today, is of special importance for the present and the future of our humanity,” said Francisco, adding: “the way we relate to children, the extent to which we respect their human dignity and fundamental rights express what kind of adults we are and want to be and what kind of society we want to build. “

The Pope considered “shocking and worrying” that in current economies, in which industrial innovation leads to even talk of a “fourth industrial revolution”, there is still “the employment of children in work activities” and denounced that the Covid pandemic -19 has further aggravated the situation.

He pointed out that child labor should not be confused with the small household chores that children perform to help, according to their age, because “these activities are usually beneficial for their development, since they allow them to test their skills and grow in awareness and responsibility”.

While it denounced “the exploitation of children in the production processes of the globalized economy for the benefit and gain of others” and how this involves “the denial of the right of children to health, education and harmonious growth, including the ability to play and dream. “

“Children are being robbed of their future, and therefore humanity itself. It is a violation of human dignity,” he criticized.

And he called on all social actors to combat child labor and the causes that expose children to work: “extreme poverty, lack of work and the consequent despair of families.”

“If we want to eradicate the scourge of child labor, we must work together to eradicate poverty, correct the current economic system, which concentrates wealth in the hands of a few. We must encourage States and business agents to create decent work opportunities with fair wages that allow families to meet their needs without their children having to work, “he explained.

He also urged joining efforts “to promote quality education in all countries, free for all, as well as a health system accessible to all without distinction.”

For the pontiff, the existence of child labor “is a real problem of civilization.” (I)