The International Labour Organisation (ILO) has revealed that at least 138 million children worldwide remain trapped in child labour, calling for urgent global action to reverse the trend.
The Director-General of the ILO, Mr Gilbert Houngbo, made the call in Geneva, Switzerland, on Tuesday during the ongoing 114th Session of the International Labour Conference (ILC), ahead of the 2026 World Day Against Child Labour, observed annually on 12 June to mobilise efforts against child exploitation.
Houngbo said that about 54 million of the affected children were engaged in hazardous work that threatens their health, safety, development and future opportunities across various regions.
According to him, the situation remains unacceptable despite significant global progress in reducing child labour and expanding access to education, social protection and decent employment opportunities.
“Today, nearly 138 million children remain in child labour, including 54 million in hazardous work. This is unacceptable. We must accelerate action.
“The Marrakech Global Framework for Action Against Child Labour provides a practical roadmap anchored on decent work, universal quality education and stronger institutions,” he said.
The ILO Director-General explained that the framework also promotes expanded social protection measures and the effective enforcement of laws aimed at eliminating all forms of child labour.
He noted that the framework introduces measurable indicators and an accountability mechanism designed to monitor implementation and sustain international attention beyond the 2030 target.
“For the first time, it includes clear indicators of progress and a built-in accountability mechanism to track implementation,” Houngbo stated.
He said the mechanism would enable governments, employers, workers and development partners to assess commitments and ensure that efforts translate into tangible outcomes for children.
Houngbo further noted that this year’s campaign theme, “Red Card to Child Labour: Fair Play for Children, Decent Work for Adults”, highlights the urgency of collective action.
“Every child deserves the opportunity to learn, play and grow up in a safe environment free from exploitation and hazardous labour.
“This year’s theme reminds us that every child has the right to learn, to play and to grow up protected and safe,” he emphasised.
The ILO chief called on governments, businesses, workers’ organisations, civil society groups and communities to intensify efforts to address the root causes of child labour globally.
He stressed that improving access to quality education, expanding social protection coverage, creating decent jobs for adults and strengthening the enforcement of labour laws remain critical interventions.
“Together, let us act with urgency and determination to end child labour,” Houngbo urged.
The World Day Against Child Labour brings together governments, employers, workers, businesses, civil society organisations and individuals to strengthen global efforts to eradicate child labour.
The 2026 observance follows the Sixth Global Conference on the Elimination of Child Labour held in Marrakech, Morocco, which reaffirmed international commitments to accelerate progress and implementation towards ending the practice.
