12 June: World Day Against Child Labor
About the Day
The International Labor Organization (ILO) established the World Day Against Child Labor in 2002 to raise global awareness about the prevalence of child labor and to encourage action to eliminate it. Each year on 12 June, governments, employers, workers, businesses, civil society, and millions of people worldwide unite to highlight the plight of child laborers and explore ways to support their rights and well-being.
The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), adopted in 2015, reaffirm the international community’s commitment to ending child labor. Notably, Target 8.7 of the SDGs calls for the world to: “Take immediate and effective measures to eradicate forced labor, end modern slavery and human trafficking, and secure the prohibition and elimination of the worst forms of child labor, including recruitment and use of child soldiers, and by 2025 end child labor in all its forms.”
Global Statistics on Child Labor
Currently, an estimated 218 million children around the world are engaged in work, many of them full-time. These children often miss out on education and have little time for play or rest. Many also suffer from inadequate nutrition and lack proper care, depriving them of a healthy and safe childhood. Alarmingly, more than half are involved in the worst forms of child labor, which include hazardous work, slavery, and other forms of forced labor. Such activities may also involve drug trafficking, prostitution, and participation in armed conflict.
It is important to distinguish that not all work performed by children qualifies as child labor requiring elimination. Activities that do not harm children’s health or development, or interfere with their education, are generally considered acceptable. Examples include sports, helping with household chores, assisting in family businesses, earning pocket money outside of school hours, or working during school vacations. These experiences can positively contribute to a child’s growth, impart valuable skills, and help prepare them for adulthood.
This Year’s Focus
This year, the World Day Against Child Labor spotlights the progress and actions taken during the 2021 International Year for the Elimination of Child Labor. It is the first World Day since the universal ratification of ILO Convention No. 182 on the Worst Forms of Child Labor. The observance comes at a pivotal moment, as the COVID-19 pandemic threatens to reverse years of progress in the fight against child labor.
In June, to mark World Day, the ILO and UNICEF will release updated global estimates and trends on child labor for 2016–2020, in partnership with Alliance 8.7. This report will assess the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and the resulting economic crisis on efforts to end child labor.
Geographical Distribution of Child Labor
Africa has the highest prevalence of child labor, with one in five children engaged in work—amounting to approximately 72 million child laborers. Asia and the Pacific follow, with 7% of children (about 62 million) involved in child labor.
Together, Africa and Asia-Pacific account for nearly 90% of all child laborers worldwide. The remainder are found in the Americas (11 million), Europe and Central Asia (6 million), and the Arab States (1 million). In proportional terms, 5% of children in the Americas, 4% in Europe and Central Asia, and 3% in the Arab States are engaged in child labor.
While the highest rates of child labor are seen in low-income countries, the largest absolute numbers are in middle-income nations. Specifically, 9% of all children in lower-middle-income countries and 7% in upper-middle-income countries are affected. In total, 84 million child laborers—56% of the global total—live in middle-income countries, while an additional 2 million are in high-income countries.
Images: The Reality of Child Labor
The following images to 
offer visual insight into the challenging conditions faced by child laborers around the world.
How You Can Help End Child Labor
Eliminating child labor requires coordinated action across all sectors of society. Governments must enforce laws prohibiting child labor and ensure access to quality education for every child. Employers and businesses should adopt ethical practices and maintain supply chains free from child exploitation. Civil society organizations play a crucial role in raising awareness, supporting affected children and families, and advocating for policy reforms.
Individuals can make a difference by supporting organizations dedicated to ending child labor, choosing fair trade products certified as child labor-free, and educating their communities about the risks and consequences of child labor.
Conclusion
The World Day Against Child Labor serves as a vital reminder of the ongoing struggle to protect children from exploitation and to uphold their rights to education, health, and a safe childhood. As the COVID-19 pandemic threatens hard-won progress, it is more important than ever to renew our global commitment and accelerate efforts to eliminate child labor in all its forms by 2025.
To learn more about global efforts to end child labor, visit the UNICEF Child Labour page and the ILO International Programme on the Elimination of Child Labour (IPEC).
