0
0
A new United Nations report has revealed that 138 million children worldwide remain trapped in child labour, with nearly 40% exposed to hazardous conditions, despite more than two decades of global efforts to eliminate the practice. The findings, released on the eve of World Day Against Child Labour 2025, underscore the persistent challenge faced by the international community in ensuring every child’s right to education and a safe childhood.
According to the report, approximately 80 million of these children are between the ages of 5 and 11, highlighting the vulnerability of the youngest populations. Agriculture continues to be the largest employer of child labourers, followed by domestic work and other service industries. The report also notes that while significant progress has been made since 2000—when 246 million children were compelled to work—the momentum has slowed, and the goal of ending child labour by 2025 has not been met.
“Far too many children continue to toil in mines, factories, or fields, often doing hazardous work to survive,” said Catherine Russell, Head of UNICEF. The International Labour Organization (ILO) and UNICEF have urged governments and stakeholders to accelerate efforts, particularly in providing free, compulsory education and universal social protection systems, which experts say are key to protecting children from exploitation.
World Day Against Child Labour 2025, with the theme “Progress is clear, but there’s more to do: Let’s speed up efforts!”, calls for urgent, coordinated action to safeguard children’s rights and ensure their access to education and a safe environment. The day also serves as a platform to assess progress, share best practices, and reinforce the commitment to international goals such as the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Target 8.7, which aims to eradicate child labour.
Despite notable reductions in child labour numbers over the past two decades, the current pace suggests that completely eliminating the practice could take “hundreds of years” at existing rates of progress, according to UN estimates. The report urges renewed commitment from governments, businesses, and civil society to accelerate progress and protect millions of children still at risk.
Disclaimer:
This article is based on recent reports from the United Nations, UNICEF, and the International Labour Organization, and is intended for informational purposes only. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, readers are encouraged to refer to official sources for the most up-to-date and comprehensive information. Views and recommendations expressed in this article do not necessarily reflect the official stance of any organization mentioned.
