The world is failing its children. This can be the only conclusion after a new report from the ILO and UNICEF found that child labour has risen by 8.4 million children in the last four years, bringing the global total to 160 million. The report, published on the World Day Againist Child Labour (WDACL), forecasts that unless urgent measures are taken, 9 million more children are at risk due to the impacts of COVID-19.
The report found:
- The agriculture sector alone accounts for 70% of all child labour (112 million) followed by 20% in services (31.4 million) and 10% in industry (16.5 million)
- Nearly 28% of children aged 5 to 11 years and 35% of children aged 12 to 14 years in child labour are not in school
The report calls for:
- Adequate social protection for all, including universal child benefits
- Increased spending on free and good-quality schooling and the return of all children to school including those out of school before COVID-19
- Promotion of decent work for adults so families do not have to resort to children generating income
- An end to harmful gender norms and discrimination that influence child labour
- Investment in child protection systems, agricultural development, rural public services, infrastructure and livelihoods
AWTG chair Anja Westberg commented, “This is an urgent wake-up call. We have already prepared our demands (available in English, French, Spanish, German and Swedish). They are clear. All parties including governments, employers, and trade unions must commit to working to end child labour in agriculture.”
