New ILO/UNICEF report reveals that 138 million children globally were in labour in 2024, with 54 million facing hazardous conditions.
A young boy working in unsafe conditions highlights the global child labour crisis.
An estimated 138 million children were engaged in child labour globally in 2024, with over 54 million of them involved in hazardous work that endangers their health and development, a joint report by the International Labour Organization (ILO) and UNICEF has revealed.
The report, presented at the ongoing International Labour Conference in Geneva, Switzerland, underscores the persistent challenge of eradicating child labour worldwide. It calls for intensified international cooperation to address the root causes of the issue, particularly in low-income and conflict-affected regions.
“The world must do better,” said Cynthia Samuel-Olonjuwon, Assistant Director-General and Regional Director for Africa, ILO. “Every child deserves a life free from exploitation, and this alarming figure should serve as a global wake-up call.”
In his address at the conference, Nigeria’s Minister of Labour and Employment, Mohammed Dingyadi, affirmed that the federal government is reinforcing efforts to eliminate child labour, particularly in underserved communities and informal sectors.
“We are strengthening institutional frameworks and increasing community-based sensitisation to eliminate the menace of child labour in Nigeria, we understand that protecting children is a shared responsibility, and we are committed to playing our part.” ” he said.
Also speaking at the event, Director General of the Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA), Adewale Smart Oyerinde, highlighted the role of the private sector in combating child labour through responsible business practices.
“NECA is collaborating with the ILO and other stakeholders to create sustainable, child-friendly workplace policies,” Oyerinde noted.
“We are focusing on awareness, compliance, and corporate accountability to ensure no child is exploited within supply chains.”
The World Day Against Child Labour, observed on 12 June every year, aims to draw global attention to the plight of children trapped in exploitative labour and to galvanize action towards its eradication.
About the Author
