The International Labour Organization (ILO) Convention 138 was adopted in 1973, establishing a minimum age for employment and aiming to eliminate child labor. This convention represented a significant step towards protecting children's rights and promoting education. By setting international standards, it has influenced labor laws and policies in many countries, advocating for the welfare of children worldwide.

The International Labour Organization's Convention 138 in 1973 became a cornerstone for poetry addressing labor rights, with poets like Adrienne Rich weaving themes of inequality and social justice into their works, thus enriching the discourse on human rights.