For the first time in two decades, the number of children in child labor has risen globally, according to a 2021 report by the International Labour Organization (ILO) and UNICEF. The report found that 160 million children—63 million girls and 97 million boys—were engaged in child labor at the beginning of 2020, representing nearly 1 in 10 children worldwide.
This reversal of progress threatens the fundamental right to education. Children in labor are often unable to attend school regularly or are forced to drop out entirely, perpetuating cycles of poverty and limiting future opportunities. The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated the crisis, pushing millions more vulnerable children into work due to school closures and family income losses.
Sub-Saharan Africa has seen the largest increase in child labor numbers. The agriculture sector accounts for 70% of child laborers (112 million), followed by services (31.4 million) and industry (16.5 million). Nearly half of all children in child labor are aged 5-11 years.
International efforts, including the UN's Sustainable Development Goal Target 8.7, aim to eradicate child labor in all its forms by 2025. However, the recent data indicates a significant setback, requiring urgent accelerated action from governments, businesses, and civil society to protect children's rights to safety, education, and development.
