Global Trends in Child Labour From 2000 onwards, there was significant progress in reducing child labour. However, recent conflicts, crises, and the COVID-19 pandemic have driven more families into poverty, pushing millions of children into child labour. The lack of inclusive economic growth has exacerbated this issue, forcing families to depend on child labour. Currently, 160 million children are engaged in child labour, nearly one in ten children worldwide.

Regional Statistics

• Africa: Highest percentage with one-fifth of all children (72 million).
• Asia and the Pacific: 7% of children, or 62 million.
• Americas: 11 million children.
• Europe and Central Asia: 6 million children.
• Arab States: 1 million children.

Low-income countries exhibit the highest percentages of child labour, but middle-income countries have the largest absolute numbers, with 84 million children in child labour, representing 56% of the global total.

Theme for 2024: End Child Labour Now! This year’s theme, “Let’s act on our commitments: End Child Labour!”, emphasizes the need to enforce ILO Conventions No. 182 and No. 138. The day also calls for increased efforts to address the root causes of child labour and ensure comprehensive legal protection for children worldwide.

Historical Context The World Day Against Child Labour was initiated by the ILO on June 12, 2002, to raise awareness and inspire action to eliminate child labour. The United Nations General Assembly declared 2021 as the International Year for the Elimination of Child Labour, tasking the ILO with its implementation. Over the years, this observance has mobilized global efforts and strategies to combat child labour.

Understanding Child Labour Child labour refers to work that deprives children of their childhood, education, and potential, and is harmful to their physical and mental development. In the least developed countries, more than one in four children aged 5 to 17 are involved in such detrimental work. Africa has the highest number and percentage of child labourers, followed by Asia and the Pacific.

Call to Action The global community has committed to ending child labour by 2025, as outlined in Sustainable Development Goal Target 8.7. Effective implementation of ILO Conventions No. 182 and No. 138 is crucial. The 2022 Global Conference in Durban provided a clear roadmap to accelerate efforts and make the elimination of child labour a reality.

Current Data on Child Labour

• Total: 152 million children aged 5-17 in child labour, with 73 million in hazardous conditions.
• Age Distribution: 48% are 5-11 years old, 28% are 12-14 years old, and 24% are 15-17 years old.
• Sector Breakdown: 71% in agriculture, 17% in services, and 12% in industry.

Significance of World Day Against Child Labour This day is crucial for highlighting the global issue of child labour. It aims to unite governments, local authorities, civil society, and international organizations to create strategies that protect children's rights and eliminate child labour.

Accelerating Efforts Governments have ratified key ILO Conventions and are committed to their enforcement. The Durban Call to Action emphasizes the need for accelerated efforts to protect children's rights and eliminate child labour. Let's join forces to ensure every child enjoys a safe and healthy childhood.

Conclusion: Regional and Economic Impact Africa, Asia, and the Pacific together account for nearly nine out of ten child labourers globally. The remaining are distributed across the Americas, Europe and Central Asia, and the Arab States. Middle-income countries have a significant number of child labourers, highlighting the need for comprehensive efforts to address this issue globally.