World Day Against Child Labour

World Day Against Child Labour is observed annually on June 12. This day aims to raise awareness and prompt action to eliminate child labour globally, ensuring that children everywhere can enjoy their rights to education, health, and a safe childhood.

History of World Day Against Child Labour

The International Labour Organization (ILO) established World Day Against Child Labour in 2002 to highlight the global extent of child labour and the efforts needed to eliminate it. The day serves as a catalyst for the growing worldwide movement against child labour, bringing together governments, employers, workers, and civil society to highlight the plight of child labourers and what can be done to help them. ¹

The observance aligns with the ILO’s conventions, particularly Convention No. 138 on the minimum age for employment and Convention No. 182 on the worst forms of child labour. These conventions aim to protect children from work that deprives them of their childhood, potential, and dignity, and that is harmful to their physical and mental development.

This year’s World Day Against Child Labour marks the 25th anniversary of the adoption of the Worst Forms of Child Labour Convention (1999, No. 182). It serves as both a celebration and a call to action—urging all stakeholders to strengthen their efforts in implementing this Convention, along with Convention No. 138, which sets the Minimum Age for Employment or Work (1973).

While the world has made progress in reducing child labour, recent setbacks highlight the urgent need to renew and accelerate efforts to eliminate it completely, in all its forms.

By committing to Sustainable Development Goal Target 8.7, the global community pledged to end child labour by 2025. Now more than ever, we must turn that promise into action. ²

Why is World Day Against Child Labour important?

Child labour remains a significant issue worldwide, affecting millions of children who are forced to work under conditions that are detrimental to their health and development. This day brings attention to the urgent need to eradicate child labour and to promote the rights of every child to education, health, and a safe environment.

By observing this day, we acknowledge the progress made and the challenges that remain in combating child labour. It serves as a reminder that collective efforts are essential to eliminate child labour and to ensure that all children can enjoy their rights and reach their full potential.

• Raises awareness about the prevalence of child labour
• Highlights the importance of education for all children
• Encourages actions to eliminate hazardous child labour
• Promotes the implementation of international labour standards
• Supports the global movement to protect children’s rights

How to Observe World Day Against Child Labour

Observing World Day Against Child Labour can involve various activities aimed at raising awareness and promoting action to eliminate child labour. Individuals and organizations can participate by educating themselves and others about the issue, supporting policies and programs that combat child labour, and advocating for children’s rights.

Engaging in community events, sharing information on social media, and supporting organizations working to end child labour are practical ways to contribute. By taking these actions, we can help create a world where every child is free from exploitation and has the opportunity to thrive.

• Educate yourself and others about child labour issues
• Support organizations working to end child labour
• Advocate for policies that protect children’s rights
• Participate in community events and discussions
• Share information on social media to raise awareness

World Day Against Child Labour Dates Table

1. https://www.ilo.org/topics/child-labour/campaign-and-advocacy-child-labour/world-day-against-child-labour[↩]
2. https://www.un.org/en/observances/world-day-against-child-labour[↩]