News Centre — Child labour constitutes one of the most prominent social and economic challenges in developing and developed countries alike, as it is linked to labour market disruptions and weak social protection, and its profound effects are reflected in human development and social stability.

The International Labour Organization (ILO) stated that nearly 138 million children worldwide remain engaged in child labour, of whom 54 million work in hazardous conditions, calling for the strengthening of international efforts aimed at eliminating this escalating phenomenon.

These statements came during a high‑level event held in Geneva as part of the proceedings of the 114th session of the International Labour Conference, coinciding with the observance of the World Day Against Child Labour under the slogan "Red Card to Child Labour: From Marrakesh to Real Action."

The Director‑General of the ILO stressed that childhood must be a stage for learning, growth, and play, not for work, affirming that millions of children remain deprived of their basic rights and of fair future opportunities.

Participants discussed mechanisms for implementing the "Marrakesh Framework for Action" aimed at eliminating child labour, through strengthening national legislation, expanding free education, providing social protection, as well as ensuring decent work and addressing the root causes related to poverty, crises, and conflicts.

The UN official affirmed that the progress achieved since 2000 proves that the elimination of child labour is possible, calling for this phenomenon not to be treated as an inevitable fate, but rather as a challenge that can be overcome through effective international commitment.