Nearly 138 million children were involved in child labour in 2024, with 54 million engaged in hazardous work that threatens their health, safety, and development, according to a joint report by the International Labour Organisation (ILO) and UNICEF.
Released ahead of the World Day Against Child Labour (June 12) and the International Day of Play (June 11), the report shows a decline from 160 million child labourers in 2020. However, it warns that progress is far too slow to meet the global goal of eliminating child labour by 2025.
“Since 2000, child labour has almost halved, even as the global child population has grown by 230 million,” the report noted. “But to end child labour in the next five years, the current rate of progress needs to be 11 times faster.”
The report credits recent progress to several key policy actions, including:
- Access to free, quality education as an alternative to child labour.
- Education-to-work transition programs, especially for older adolescents facing workplace hazards.
- Strengthened legal frameworks that align with international labour standards.
- Integration of child labour policies into broader economic and social development plans.
Despite the challenges, the UN agencies remain optimistic, stating
“We know what works. With the right policies, sufficient resources, and unwavering global commitment, we can end child labour and secure a better future for all children.”
