The Archbishop of Australia, His Eminence Makarios, issued a statement on Friday on the occasion of World Day Against Child Labor, noting that “…our thoughts and attention turn to an extremely worrying and sad phenomenon that, unfortunately, continues to plague humanity even in the 21st century.”
The annual June 12 commemoration aims to draw attention to the tens of millions of girls and boys throughout the world, almost 10 percent of all children, who according to the latest estimates of the International Labor Organization, instead of enjoying their childhood – and instead of learning at school and progressing, are forced to work, often in hazardous conditions for their health, safety, and moral development.
His Eminence added that “…As Orthodox Christians, we ought to be inspired and directed by the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, namely, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, unless you are converted and become as little children, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven’.”
READ MORE: Message of Archbishop Makarios on World Day Against Child Labour
