Millions Still Trapped in Child Labour: ILO and UNICEF Report Urges Global Action

Despite progress over the past four years, the global community has fallen short of its goal to eliminate child labour by 2025. According to a joint report released by the International Labour Organization (ILO) and UNICEF titled “Child Labour: Global Estimates 2024, Trends and the Road Forward”, nearly 138 million children are still engaged in child labour globally. Even more alarming, 54 million of these children are doing hazardous work that puts their health, safety, and overall development at serious risk.

While this represents a reduction of over 22 million since 2020—effectively reversing a dangerous spike recorded between 2016 and 2020—the numbers remain unacceptably high. The report, released on the eve of the World Day Against Child Labour and coinciding with the International Day of Play, is a sobering reminder that despite some victories, millions of children continue to be robbed of their childhoods.

“Children belong in school, not in work,” said Gilbert F. Houngbo, Director-General of the ILO. “We must not be blindsided. While progress has been made, the road ahead remains long, and the world must recommit to protecting children’s rights.”

Where Child Labour Persists

Child labour spans across countries, economies, and communities, but it is not evenly distributed. The burden is especially heavy in Sub-Saharan Africa, which now accounts for nearly two-thirds of all children in child labour—approximately 87 million. While the prevalence of child labour in the region has decreased from 23.9% to 21.5%, population growth has negated any drop in total numbers. This means that while fewer children proportionally are working, the actual number remains unchanged.

In contrast, Asia and the Pacific have achieved the most remarkable progress. Child labour rates in the region dropped from 5.6% to 3.1%, which means about 21 million fewer children are working. Latin America and the Caribbean also made modest gains, reducing prevalence by 8% and the total number of children in labour by 11%.

Which Sectors Are Involved?

Agriculture continues to dominate the child labour landscape, with 61% of all child labourers working in fields, farms, and plantations—often for long hours and in physically demanding conditions. Services, such as domestic work and street vending, account for 27%, while industrial sectors like mining and manufacturing involve 13% of child labour cases.

The hazards children face are not limited to physical harm. Many suffer psychological trauma, face abuse, and are denied access to education. The cycle of poverty that fuels child labour often continues into adulthood, with limited opportunities for advancement or economic independence.

Gender and Age Dynamics

The report highlights key gender differences. Boys are more likely than girls to be engaged in child labour in most formal sectors and across all age groups. However, when unpaid household chores exceeding 21 hours per week are counted, girls—particularly in rural or traditional settings—bear a heavier burden. These duties, though less visible, can be just as damaging as formal labour, keeping girls out of school and depriving them of rest, play, and education.

The majority of children in labour are aged between 5 and 17, but shockingly, many are even younger. A significant percentage of child labourers are under the age of 12, involved in tasks far beyond their physical and emotional capabilities.

Root Causes: Poverty, Lack of Education, and Weak Systems

At the heart of child labour lies a web of complex causes: poverty, lack of access to quality education, economic insecurity, weak legal enforcement, and in many cases, social norms that normalize or even encourage child work.

Children in impoverished households often have no choice but to work. Their families depend on the small income they bring in just to meet basic needs. With rising global living costs, economic inequality, and the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, many families are more vulnerable than ever. In such situations, sending a child to school can feel like a luxury.

Moreover, inadequate education systems, especially in rural and crisis-affected areas, contribute to the problem. If schools are inaccessible, unsafe, poorly staffed, or unaffordable—even when technically free—families may see work as the only viable path.

A Missed Goal, But Not a Lost Cause

The goal to eliminate child labour by 2025, enshrined in Target 8.7 of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), will not be met. The report clearly states that unless global efforts are accelerated 11 times faster, the target will remain out of reach for the foreseeable future.

However, there is still room for hope. Since 2000, child labour has been nearly halved—from 246 million to 138 million. The global community has shown that progress is possible with the right policies, investments, and political will.

Catherine Russell, Executive Director of UNICEF, emphasizes that the world must “recommit to ensuring that children are in classrooms and playgrounds, not at work.” She also warns that recent cuts in global funding to education, child protection, and social programs pose serious risks to ongoing progress.

What Needs to Happen Now

Based on the findings, the ILO and UNICEF have issued a five-point call to action to accelerate the fight against child labour:

1.    Invest in Social Protection Systems: Governments must expand safety nets, especially for vulnerable households. Universal child benefits and family income support can prevent families from pushing children into labour.

2.    Strengthen Child Protection Systems: Authorities must be able to detect, prevent, and respond to child labour—especially its worst forms. This includes local child welfare services, law enforcement, and community-based interventions.

3.    Ensure Universal Access to Quality Education: Free, inclusive, and quality education must be guaranteed for every child, especially in rural and marginalized communities. This means investing in infrastructure, teachers, and materials.

4.    Support Decent Work for Adults and Youth: If adults have access to fair employment, their children are less likely to be exploited. Job creation, minimum wage laws, and labour rights enforcement are all critical.

5.    Enforce Laws and Corporate Accountability: Governments and international bodies must hold businesses accountable for child labour in supply chains. Transparency, regulation, and consumer awareness play essential roles.

 A Choice That the World Must Make

The new 2024 child labour report is a powerful reminder that while progress is real, it is fragile. Gains can be lost quickly if global attention drifts or funding dries up. As crises continue to affect economies, climate, and politics, vulnerable children risk falling through the cracks.

The decision ahead is clear: double down on efforts to protect children—or accept that tens of millions will continue to sacrifice their education, health, and childhood for the sake of survival. The global community has the tools, experience, and knowledge to end child labour. What remains is the will to act boldly, consistently, and compassionately.