A Future Without Child Labour
On June 12, we commemorate the World Day Against Child Labour, a global observance dedicated to raising awareness and mobilizing efforts to eradicate child labour. This initiative was launched by the International Labour Organization (ILO), a specialized United Nations (UN) agency that promotes rights at work and fights labour abuses, especially those affecting children.
According to the latest global estimates from the ILO and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), nearly 138 million children worldwide were engaged in child labour in 2024, representing 7.8% of children aged 5 to 17. Of these, approximately 54 million are engaged in hazardous work that can threaten their health, safety, or development. Agriculture accounts for the largest share of child labour globally at 61%, followed by services and industry. Sub-Saharan Africa accounts for roughly 87 million children - nearly two-thirds of the global total.
Ending child labour requires strong advocacy for education and dedicated support for vulnerable children.
The Power of Education
Education is one of the most effective tools for breaking the cycle of child labour and poverty, reducing children’s vulnerability to exploitation while creating pathways out of intergenerational poverty. At Muslim Hands Canada, we run educational initiatives in communities across the world to empower children and their families.
Protecting Vulnerable Children from Exploitation
Orphans are especially vulnerable. Children who have lost one or both parents can face heightened vulnerability to exploitation, particularly when they lack adequate family support, financial security, or access to social protection. Our Orphan Sponsorship Program helps keep children in school while also providing essentials such as nutritious meals and healthcare. Most importantly, our sponsorship programs provide support and safety, strengthening the systems that protect vulnerable children from exploitation.
Children with disabilities can face heightened vulnerability, particularly when inclusive systems are not in place. Exclusion from education, healthcare, and social services can increase their risk of neglect and exploitation. Our Children with Disabilities Sponsorship Program offers tailored support, such as access to specialized learning resources, healthcare, and mobility assistance. By sponsoring these children, we help break down barriers, build their confidence, and ensure they are included, protected, and given the chance to thrive.
A Call to Action
Prolonged conflict, displacement, poverty, and the breakdown of essential services can increase children's vulnerability to child labour as families struggle to meet their basic needs. The sad reality is that during prolonged crises, exploitative child labour almost becomes normalized.
Addressing child labour requires comprehensive and enforceable policy changes. Governments need to implement and enforce legislation establishing minimum ages for employment and prohibiting hazardous work and the worst forms of child labour. Equally critical is expanding access to education and social protection, helping families reduce their dependence on child labour.
This World Day Against Child Labour, let’s remember the millions of children whose childhoods are disrupted by exploitative work, including those working in dangerous conditions for little or no pay. By investing in education, supporting vulnerable children, and advocating for systemic change, we can help break cycles of poverty and exploitation.
Together, we can rewrite the future for children — a future without child labour.