Translated with AI
On June 9, 2026, the International Labour Organization reported that there are approximately 138 million children in labor worldwide. Of these, 54 million work in conditions that pose a threat to their lives and health, according to the UN press service.
These data were announced by Gilbert Houngbo, Director-General of the International Labour Organization, ahead of World Day Against Child Labour, observed annually on June 12. The head of the organization emphasized that the current situation is unacceptable and requires an urgent response from the international community.
The ILO recalled that World Day Against Child Labour was established in 2002 to draw attention to the problem of child exploitation and to unite the efforts of states, businesses, and civil society to address it.
As noted, this day serves as a reminder that millions of children around the world are deprived of the opportunity to receive an education, play, and grow up in a safe environment. Child labor remains widespread in agriculture, extractive industries, and the informal economy, where children remain particularly vulnerable.
The theme of the 2026 World Day Against Child Labour is the campaign "Red Card for Child Labour: Fair Conditions for Children, Decent Work for Adults." The ILO emphasizes that protecting children must be accompanied by the creation of decent working conditions for adults, as child labor is directly linked to poverty, job shortages, and inadequate social protection systems.
In his address, Gilbert Houngbo noted that the Marrakech Global Framework for Action to End Child Labor provides a comprehensive approach to addressing the problem. Specifically, it addresses ensuring parents have decent work, expanding children's access to quality education, developing social protection systems, and improving legislation.
The ILO Director-General emphasized that the global community must act decisively and without delay. He stated that only joint efforts can ensure that children stop working and are able to realize their right to a safe childhood.
