2025: The year of elimination of child labour
The year 2025 has been earmarked as a global milestone for the elimination of child labor, as set out in the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG Target 8.7). This ambitious goal emphasizes the commitment of the international community to eradicate all forms of child labor, including its worst forms. Achieving this target involves mobilizing governments, civil society, businesses, and international organizations to strengthen child protection systems, enhance access to education, and address the socio-economic factors driving child labor. While significant progress has been made, the persistence of child labor in many regions highlights the urgency for accelerated action.
Recent child labour trends
Child labor remains a universal issue affecting millions of children globally. According to the International Labour Organization (ILO), as of 2020, an estimated 160 million children (63 million girls and 97 million boys) are engaged in child labor worldwide. This accounts for nearly 1 in every 10 children globally, with the highest concentrations observed in Africa, Asia, and the Pacific. Africa bears the highest burden of child labor, with 72 million children engaged in work, accounting for nearly 20% of children on the continent. Sub-Saharan Africa, in particular, has seen a worrying increase in child labor, driven by population growth, conflict, and economic insecurity.
The agriculture sector has the highest cases of child labour, accounting for about 70% of total global child labour cases, which includes activities such as farming, fishing, forestry, and livestock herding, often under hazardous conditions. The remaining children are distributed across the service (20%) and industrial (10%) sectors, including mining, manufacturing, and construction. The prevalence of child labor in informal economies exacerbates the issue, as these activities often go unregulated. The recent COVID-19 pandemic further exacerbated child labor cases due to School closures, economic hardships, and increased poverty levels that forced many children into work to support their families.
Uganda, like many developing nations, struggles with significant child labor challenges. According to the Uganda Bureau of Statistics (UBOS) report of 2022, approximately 6.2 million children in Uganda are engaged in child labor, representing nearly 39.5% of all children in Uganda aged 5-17. 93% of child laborers are found in rural areas of Uganda, where poverty and subsistence farming drive families to rely on children’s labor. However, urban centers are not exempt, with children engaged in street vending, domestic work, and small-scale industries.
What has been done?
Globally, ILO’s Worst Forms of Child Labour Convention (C182) and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG 8.7) aim to eliminate child labor in all forms by 2025. Nationally, Uganda has ratified key international conventions on child labor, including ILO Conventions 138 and 182. The Employment Act of 2006 prohibits employment of children under 14 and hazardous work for children under 18.
Uganda has also implemented various strategies to combat child labor. These include strengthening legislation and enforcement mechanisms to protect children from hazardous work. The government has also invested in education, expanding access to schools and providing incentives like school feeding programs to reduce the need for children to work. Additionally, social protection programs have been implemented to support vulnerable families, reducing their reliance on child labor. Community-based initiatives, such as awareness campaigns and vocational training programs, have also been launched to address the root causes of child labor and empower communities to prevent it.
See how Nascent RDO-U has contributed to the eradication of child labour in this video: https://youtu.be/Sn9ym30BIDc
What more can be done?
Child labor stakeholders (including international organizations, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), businesses, communities, and educational institutions) can play complementary roles in addressing the issue.
International Organizations like International Labour Organization (ILO) can continue to push for the alignment of national laws with international standards and conventions, such as ILO Conventions 138 and 182, Offer funding, and facilitate initiatives like the Alliance 8.7 network to help coordinate efforts and ensure shared accountability among nations and regions.
Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) can focus on educating families and communities about the long-term impacts of child labor. Establish shelters, counseling, and vocational training centers for children withdrawn from labor. Keep supporting grassroots efforts to create economic alternatives for families and advocating for children’s right to education and protection strengthens community resilience. Hold governments and businesses accountable by monitoring and exposing exploitative practices.
Businesses and Corporations should commit to fair labor practices by implementing rigorous monitoring mechanisms to ensure their supply chains are free from child labor. Invest in education, healthcare, and skill-building initiatives in areas where they operate, helping reduce the socioeconomic factors driving child labor. Help in funding and scaling up child labor prevention programs, particularly in vulnerable regions.
Community leaders, families, and peers can discourage cultural practices that normalize or promote child labor. Families should prioritize sending children to school and seek support from available social protection programs to offset costs.
Media outlets can amplify stories about child labor and its consequences to increase public understanding and spur action. Civil society groups can use data and storytelling to influence policy and engage stakeholders at local, national, and global levels.
Donor Agencies and Philanthropists can help in providing sustained investments in education, poverty reduction, and family support programs can reduce dependency on child labor. They can also sponsor community-based programs that target initiatives like microfinance for families, vocational training, and school infrastructure improvements.
Lastly, conducting research on child labor trends, root causes, and effective interventions can guide stakeholders in refining their strategies. Monitoring and evaluating the effectiveness of child labor prevention programs can ensure that resources are utilized efficiently.
By working in collaboration and focusing on sustainable solutions, stakeholders can make significant strides in eliminating child labor globally.
How can you get involved?
Join our “Shout Out” platform that empowers you to express your opinions on current child labor trends. It provides a space for you to share your perspectives and amplifies your voice to drive social change.
You can actively engage in advocacy by commenting on relevant posts, sharing your own experiences, and participating in discussions. You can also use the platform to mobilize support, organize campaigns, and raise awareness about specific child labor issues.
Recent child labour trends
Child labor remains a universal issue affecting millions of children globally. According to the International Labour Organization (ILO), as of 2020, an estimated 160 million children (63 million girls and 97 million boys) are engaged in child labor worldwide. This accounts for nearly 1 in every 10 children globally, with the highest concentrations observed in Africa, Asia, and the Pacific. Africa bears the highest burden of child labor, with 72 million children engaged in work, accounting for nearly 20% of children on the continent. Sub-Saharan Africa, in particular, has seen a worrying increase in child labor, driven by population growth, conflict, and economic insecurity.
The agriculture sector has the highest cases of child labour, accounting for about 70% of total global child labour cases, which includes activities such as farming, fishing, forestry, and livestock herding, often under hazardous conditions. The remaining children are distributed across the service (20%) and industrial (10%) sectors, including mining, manufacturing, and construction. The prevalence of child labor in informal economies exacerbates the issue, as these activities often go unregulated. The recent COVID-19 pandemic further exacerbated child labor cases due to School closures, economic hardships, and increased poverty levels that forced many children into work to support their families.
Uganda, like many developing nations, struggles with significant child labor challenges. According to the Uganda Bureau of Statistics (UBOS) report of 2022, approximately 6.2 million children in Uganda are engaged in child labor, representing nearly 39.5% of all children in Uganda aged 5-17. 93% of child laborers are found in rural areas of Uganda, where poverty and subsistence farming drive families to rely on children’s labor. However, urban centers are not exempt, with children engaged in street vending, domestic work, and small-scale industries.
What has been done?
Globally, ILO’s Worst Forms of Child Labour Convention (C182) and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG 8.7) aim to eliminate child labor in all forms by 2025. Nationally, Uganda has ratified key international conventions on child labor, including ILO Conventions 138 and 182. The Employment Act of 2006 prohibits employment of children under 14 and hazardous work for children under 18.
Uganda has also implemented various strategies to combat child labor. These include strengthening legislation and enforcement mechanisms to protect children from hazardous work. The government has also invested in education, expanding access to schools and providing incentives like school feeding programs to reduce the need for children to work. Additionally, social protection programs have been implemented to support vulnerable families, reducing their reliance on child labor. Community-based initiatives, such as awareness campaigns and vocational training programs, have also been launched to address the root causes of child labor and empower communities to prevent it.
See how Nascent RDO-U has contributed to the eradication of child labour in this video: https://youtu.be/Sn9ym30BIDc
What more can be done?
Child labor stakeholders (including international organizations, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), businesses, communities, and educational institutions) can play complementary roles in addressing the issue.
International Organizations like International Labour Organization (ILO) can continue to push for the alignment of national laws with international standards and conventions, such as ILO Conventions 138 and 182, Offer funding, and facilitate initiatives like the Alliance 8.7 network to help coordinate efforts and ensure shared accountability among nations and regions.
Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) can focus on educating families and communities about the long-term impacts of child labor. Establish shelters, counseling, and vocational training centers for children withdrawn from labor. Keep supporting grassroots efforts to create economic alternatives for families and advocating for children’s right to education and protection strengthens community resilience. Hold governments and businesses accountable by monitoring and exposing exploitative practices.
Businesses and Corporations should commit to fair labor practices by implementing rigorous monitoring mechanisms to ensure their supply chains are free from child labor. Invest in education, healthcare, and skill-building initiatives in areas where they operate, helping reduce the socioeconomic factors driving child labor. Help in funding and scaling up child labor prevention programs, particularly in vulnerable regions.
Community leaders, families, and peers can discourage cultural practices that normalize or promote child labor. Families should prioritize sending children to school and seek support from available social protection programs to offset costs.
Media outlets can amplify stories about child labor and its consequences to increase public understanding and spur action. Civil society groups can use data and storytelling to influence policy and engage stakeholders at local, national, and global levels.
Donor Agencies and Philanthropists can help in providing sustained investments in education, poverty reduction, and family support programs can reduce dependency on child labor. They can also sponsor community-based programs that target initiatives like microfinance for families, vocational training, and school infrastructure improvements.
Lastly, conducting research on child labor trends, root causes, and effective interventions can guide stakeholders in refining their strategies. Monitoring and evaluating the effectiveness of child labor prevention programs can ensure that resources are utilized efficiently.
By working in collaboration and focusing on sustainable solutions, stakeholders can make significant strides in eliminating child labor globally.
How can you get involved?
Join our “Shout Out” platform that empowers you to express your opinions on current child labor trends. It provides a space for you to share your perspectives and amplifies your voice to drive social change.
You can actively engage in advocacy by commenting on relevant posts, sharing your own experiences, and participating in discussions. You can also use the platform to mobilize support, organize campaigns, and raise awareness about specific child labor issues.
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Last updated on: 17th February, 2025
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