Child Labor Through David Parker’s Lens

Approximately 218 million children around the world between the ages of five and 17 are involved in child labor, according to The International Labour Organization. Their jobs range from textile work to gold mining and sex work to rag picking. Often their working conditions endanger their health and general wellbeing. I met with David Parker, a photographer and doctor who has worked to bring awareness to this issue for over 16 years. His work is proof that one person’s efforts can help alleviate our world’s problems.







Parker explains, “[I have] always been oriented in a direction of basic human rights, and liberties, and issues of social justice. … What gives me that orientation? … Growing up Jewish during WWII.” When he learned about the conditions that many child laborers face, Parker recognized this injustice as a human rights and a health issue and became passionate about addressing it. He has taken a unique approach to raising awareness about child labor by combining his strengths and interests.