No Child Left Behind: Time to act for the 138 Million still in labour

The Global Child Labour report “Child Labour Global Estimates 2024, Trend and the Road Forward” by ILO and UNICEF published yesterday reveals moderate progress in the fight against child labour in the last 4 years. 

TdH NL, as one of the leading organisations working against child labour worldwide, sees the reduction of 22 million children in this period as a significant number of children, indeed. Nevertheless, the total of over 138 million children still  in child labour -of which 54 million are in hazardous work- is a matter of deep concern. Not only for us but for society in general, especially at times of increasing conflicts and climate-induced emergencies in different parts of the world, where child labour tends to increase. 

Crucially, the report reaffirms what our partner organisations and allies on the ground have long observed:  the target of the Sustainable Development Goal 8.7 – to end child labour in all its forms by 2025 – remains unmet. In fact, to eliminate child labour by 2030 – the end date for the Sustainable Development Goals—progress must be accelerated elevenfold and sevenfold even if we push the target to 2045.

Regional Inequities and age disparities

While progress is more evident in Asia and Pacific and the Latin America regions, the number of children engaged in labour in Sub-Saharan Africa holds steady at 87 million since 2020. This indicates a clear stagnation in  absolute terms since the increase observed in 2016. Additionally, it is particularly troubling that 57% of the total children engaged in child labour worldwide are aged 5 to 11 years old, highlighting the vulnerability of this age group. At TdH NL we address child labour through an intersectional lens as factors such as age and gender intertwine to exacerbate their plight. 

The hidden cost of progress: Child Labour in minerals extraction

Compounding these challenges is the persistent data gap regarding child labour in specific hard-to-reach sectors such as mineral extraction, considered hazardous work. This becomes increasingly crucial as global focus on minerals needed for the  energy transitions intensifies. As we confront the reality of child labour, we also must acknowledge that children toil in dangerous conditions to extract minerals that fuel our everyday lives. From the PC we use to the technology needed for the energy transition, the minerals sourced from these hazardous environments have a direct impact on our daily routines. Can we move forward by leaving 138 million children behind? Will a sustainable future be a possibility only for some children?

Corporate and government accountability

Companies also have a responsibility to apply robust due diligence to ensure their supply chains are free from child exploitation. By prioritising ethically sourced materials and engaging with local communities and children, companies can significantly contribute to the elimination of child labour. As the ILO report and our work on the ground suggest, financial disengagement is not a viable solution, particularly in remote areas where informal small-scale operations often represent the only option available to communities. These areas tend to be unregulated and difficult to access, complicating the efforts of supervision, support services, and schooling. The challenges extend beyond geographical barriers; socio-cultural norms that normalise and stigmatise child labour render these practices largely invisible and uncommunicated. Consequently, this issue remains largely under the radar due to insufficient data, as the lack of visibility hinders our understanding of the true scale of child labour engagement.

These challenges become even more difficult to overcome as we have seen a sharp decline in aid funds. For instance, the U.S. government has cut more than $500 million from child labour programmes, while numerous European Union member states have enacted sweeping reductions in their development assistance budgets. This drastic contraction of funding occurs at a critical juncture—precisely when robust and sustained investment is urgently needed to support the estimated 138 million children currently trapped in child labour and those on the brink of falling into it.

These decisions risk reinforcing a troubling trend of disengagement by governments from multilateralism, international development and human rights commitments. It should by no means become a stumbling block for the full and effective implementation of obligations under ILO Convention No. 182, despite its universal ratification. 

Children at the centre of change

It is vital that we listen to the voices of these children: their participation in policy-making is not just a privilege but a necessity. They know their struggles better than anyone, and we must ensure they have a seat at the table when solutions and policies are crafted.

At Terre des Hommes Netherlands, we are committed to transforming the very systems that perpetuate child labour. Our Child Labour Programme embraces the approach highlighted in the 113th Session of the International Labour Conference, which emphasises the critical importance of social protection systems, access to quality education, behavioural change, and meaningful collaboration between governments, civil society, and the private sector.

As the new global estimates reveal, the scale of child labour remains deeply concerning. But they also signal a clear imperative: now is not the time to retreat. Progress is possible — and NGOs, working hand in hand with communities, play a pivotal role in driving systemic change. The path forward lies in deepening cross-sector partnerships and co-creating solutions with the very children and communities most affected. Their voices must be central in shaping the policies and programmes designed to protect them.

To truly accelerate progress, we advocate for increased and sustained investment in child protection systems, strengthen legal frameworks — particularly around minimum age standards—and ensure enforcement through well-resourced labour inspectorates and data-driven monitoring mechanisms. Innovation must be prioritised, but not in isolation. It must take place at decision-making tables where children have a seat, a say, and the power to shape their future. Every child has the right to a life free from exploitation — and together, we have the tools and responsibility to make that vision a reality.