ILO/UNICEF Report — GENEVA, June 2021
The number of children in child labour has risen to 160 million worldwide — an increase of 8.4 million children in the last four years — with millions more at risk due to the impacts of COVID-19, according to a joint report by the International Labour Organization and UNICEF. Progress to end child labour has stalled for the first time in 20 years, reversing a previous downward trend that had seen child labour fall by 94 million between 2000 and 2016. A simulation model shows 9 million additional children are at risk of being pushed into child labour by the end of 2022, with this number potentially rising to 46 million without access to critical social protection.
The agriculture sector accounts for 70% of children in child labour (112 million); the service sector 20% (31.4 million); and industry 10% (16.5 million). Sub-Saharan Africa saw the largest increase with 16.6 million additional children in child labour over four years. “The new estimates are a wake-up call. We cannot stand by while a new generation of children is put at risk,” said ILO Director-General Guy Ryder. The report calls for universal child benefits, increased investment in free quality schooling, promotion of decent work for adults, and stronger child protection systems.