The International Labour Organisation has urged immediate global action to end child labour, revealing that nearly 138 million children worldwide are caught in labour, including 54 million involved in hazardous work. Trade FM reports that the child labour event organised by the ILO brought together various stakeholders to discuss strategic ways to eliminate child labour.
Speaking at the 114th International Labour Conference during the 2026 World Day Against Child Labour, ILO Director-General Gilbert Houngbo described the situation as unacceptable, despite progress in education, social protection, and decent employment opportunities. Houngbo highlighted the Marrakech Global Framework for Action against Child Labour as a guide to tackling the issue through quality education, decent work, stronger institutions, and expanded social protection. He pointed out that the framework includes measurable indicators and accountability mechanisms to monitor progress towards ending child labour.
