On June 11, 2026, the United Nations reported that approximately 138 million children worldwide are engaged in child labor, with 54 million of them performing hazardous work. This statement was made in a video message marking the World Day Against Child Labor.
The UN official emphasized that child labor remains a critical issue, affecting children's health, education, and future opportunities. The figures are based on the latest global estimates from the International Labour Organization (ILO) and UNICEF.
Hazardous work, defined as work that is likely to harm children's health, safety, or morals, accounts for a significant portion of these cases. The UN called for urgent action to eliminate child labor by 2025, as part of Sustainable Development Goal 8.7.
Progress has been made in some regions, but the COVID-19 pandemic and economic crises have reversed gains in many countries. The UN urged governments to strengthen social protection systems and enforce labor laws.
