Millions of girls and boys throughout the world are engaged in child labour, work that deprives them of adequate education, health, and leisure. Of these children, more than half are exposed to the worst forms of child labour including work in hazardous environments, slavery or other forms of forced labour, illicit activities such as drug trafficking and prostitution, as well as involvement in armed conflict.
The International Labour Organization (ILO) launched the first World Day Against Child Labour in 2002 as a way to highlight the plight of these children. The day, which is observed annually on June 12th, is intended to serve as a catalyst for the growing worldwide movement against child labour, which is reflected in the huge number of ratifications of ILO Convention No. 182 on the worst forms of child labour and ILO Convention No. 138 on the minimum age for employment.
The World Day Against Child Labour provides an opportunity to gain further support of individual governments and that of the ILO social partners, civil society and others, including schools, youth and women's groups as well as the media, in the campaign against child labour.
Further information on World Day against Child Labour, June 12 2010 will be added to this page shortly. If you would like to receive information as plans for global, national and local events develop please send your email address to: ipec@ilo.org.