A joint report from the International Labour Organisation and UNICEF revealed that 138 million children globally remain in child labor, with 54 million in hazardous roles, despite a drop from 160 million four years ago.
Released ahead of World Day Against Child Labour, the findings show a significant reduction since 2000, yet the 2025 goal to end child labor has been missed.
Progress must accelerate 11-fold to eliminate it within five years, the report warns.
It credits free education and legal protections for gains but stresses the need for broader strategies to ensure children’s safety and development, urging a renewed global push.
