On June 12, 2025, the world observes World Day Against Child Labour, launched by the International Labour Organization (ILO) in 2002 to combat child exploitation. This year’s theme, “Progress is clear, but there’s more to do: let’s speed up efforts,” reflects the urgent need to address the 138 million children still engaged in child labour globally, as revealed by the 2025 ILO-UNICEF joint report released today. Despite a slight decline from 160 million in 2020, the international goal to end child labour by 2025, set under Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 8.7, has not been met.

The Current Landscape

The 2025 global estimates, launched during the 113th International Labour Conference, show progress but highlight stagnation. Sub-Saharan Africa accounts for 86.6 million child labourers, followed by Central and Southern Asia with 26.3 million, per UNICEF. Hazardous work endangers 54 million children, with 70% in agriculture. The report notes a rise in child labour during the COVID-19 pandemic due to economic hardship, with poverty remaining the primary driver, per sources. 

India’s Efforts and Challenges

India has reduced child labour from 10 million in 2011 to 3.3 million by 2018–19, per sources. Laws like the Child Labour Prohibition & Regulation Act and the Right to Education Act, alongside initiatives like the National Child Labour Project and PENCIL portal, have driven progress. However, enforcement gaps persist, especially in informal sectors like agriculture and street vending, where children face exploitation, per sources.

Global Calls to Action

The 2025 World Day emphasizes ratifying ILO Convention No. 138 on Minimum Age and implementing Convention No. 182 on Worst Forms of Child Labour, per sources. The Durban Call to Action (2022) urges stronger prevention, protection, and partnerships. UNICEF and ILO advocate for social protection programs to keep children in school and out of work, warning that 125 million children could remain in labour by 2030 without accelerated efforts, per sources.

By – Manoj