In 1973, the International Labour Organization (ILO) began ratifying the Minimum Age Convention, which set international standards for the minimum employment age at 15 or upon completion of compulsory schooling. This initiative aimed to combat child labor and promote education, reflecting a growing global commitment to children's rights. The widespread adoption of these standards marked a significant step towards improving labor conditions for young people worldwide.

The ratification of the ILO Minimum Age Convention in 1973 brought global attention to child rights, influencing postcolonial and international poetry. Poets like Warsan Shire have since addressed themes of child agency and resilience in their works, highlighting the struggles faced by youth worldwide.