New Delhi, Nov 21 (IANS): Nobel laureate and child rights crusader Kailash Satyarthi Friday said children working as labourers needed to be rescued and rehabilitated to tackle the rising unemployment rate globally.

"There are 168 million children in jobs and 200 million adults are jobless worldwide," Satyarthi said at the Hindustan Times Leadership Summit here.

"Why? Because it is convenient to have children as cheap labour. When these children are liberated you will create at least 168 million jobs," he said.

Pointing out that "it will not happen on its own", the activist called for sustained efforts by the governments and every individual.

"You need to listen to the silence of these voiceless children. You have to step forward and help."

Satyarthi also said a nation cannot progress without protecting the rights of children and every country should work towards creating an environment of peace and love for children.

"There is a need to invoke a strong sense of responsibility towards children for a healthy nation," he added.

Satyarthi won the 2014 Nobel Peace Prize along with Pakistan's Malala Yousafzai.

Speaking about his "friendship" with the "people of Pakistan", Satyarthi said: "I was working for the rights of the children of Pakistan ten or twelve years before Malala was born. But back then there was martial law in the country and I was forced to leave at gunpoint."

"My ties of friendship remain deep with the people of Pakistan," Satyarthi said.