Covid-19 against Humanity

Since March, there have been quite a few restrictions on the the Education Industry. From physical classes turning to monotonous virtual sessions, a lot has changed. This new routine of attending online classes has indeed taken a toll on the kids. But a few have been unfortunate enough to not even experience this troublesome schedule.

In developing countries like India, Child Labor is a major concern. It is the illegal practice of forcing children to work, so as to add an extra penny to the family income. Although it is against the children’s rights, child labor is prevalent in not only indigent villages but also thriving metropolises. Millions of children around the world, work in appalling conditions everyday. Ranging from crop fields to coal mines, these kids work as low-wage laborers, along with their family members.

A drowning man catches a straw. Indeed.

Before this pandemic, children used to attend night schools, where teachers along with the social workers taught them. Although this practice of learning wasn’t available to many, some were lucky enough to find these fallen angels.

Now, as the Covid-19 cases rise and the schools start shutting down, a huge number of children are back on streets. With low to absolutely no income, families have once again put their kids in search of drudgery. This time, the vicious cycle of forced labor hasn’t just started, but has seemed to double it’s reach. When the entire economy is facing a downfall, and people are struggling to meet their ends, we can hardly expect these ‘miniature adults’ to be payed adequately.

But when this Covid-19 situation subsides, can we really expect these children to break away from this pattern?

In a recent report, the United Nations estimated that around 24 million children will drop out and that millions will fall back into the clutches of slavery. Children will continue to work as an additional source of bread for their families, while sacrificing their childhood. Perhaps, an entire generation of children will be stuck working and begging. In today’s time, when the youth is entitled to carry the nation forward, these children will be trapped in the hands of some merciless employers, who are only wary of their profits.

Steps to improve the condition of these children were taken in the past and will surely be taken in the future. But what’s lost is lost. Childhood ain’t forever. This Corona Gap has most definitely costed some children their entire lives.