Published on: 2026-06-09
Source: United Nations – United Nations –
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There are about 138 million children worldwide who are forced to work, and 54 million of them work under conditions dangerous to life and health. These data from the International Labour Organization (ILO) were announced on Tuesday by its Director-General. Gilbert Ungbo emphasized that the current situation is unacceptable and requires urgent response from the international community.
The address by the head of the ILO was delivered on the eve of the World Day Against Child Labour, which is annually observed on June 12. This day was established by the ILO in 2002 to draw attention to the problem of child exploitation and to unite the efforts of governments, business, and civil society.
World Day serves as a reminder that millions of children around the world are deprived of the opportunity to study, play, and grow up in a safe environment. Child labor remains widespread in agriculture, extractive industries, and the informal sector, where children are especially vulnerable.
The theme of the day this year is “The red card to child labor: fair conditions for children, decent work for adults” – it emphasizes the necessity to protect childhood and simultaneously provide adults with decent working conditions. This is the key point reflected by the ILO: child labor is a consequence of poverty, lack of jobs, and weak social systems, and therefore, it must be addressed comprehensively.
In his address, Gilbert Ungbo noted that the Marrakech Global Framework for Action on Child Labour offers a clear and realistic plan, including ensuring parents have decent jobs, expanding children’s access to quality education, developing social protection systems, and strengthening legislation.
The head of the Ministry of Defense emphasized that the global community must act decisively and without delay. According to him, only joint efforts can lead to the children ceasing to work.
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