All project publications

A data ecosystem approach

Assessing national status vis-à-vis SDG Target 8.7

This paper outlines an “ecosystem approach” to child labour data collection with this aim in mind. It relates principally to countries that have achieved low levels of child labour and want to monitor and sustain this achievement and to complete the...

Discussion paper on the economics of forced labour

Acting against forced labour: An assessment of investment requirements and economic benefits

This discussion paper explores some of the key investment requirements towards ending forced labour and the economic returns to this investment for society. The paper fits within a broader programme of ILO research on the economics of forced labour...

Child labour in Mongolia - Child labour survey results 2021-2022

The survey’s main objective was to generate quantitative data on the prevalence and nature of child labour according to the latest international standards.

Assessing compliance of the Mongolian armed forces with ILO Conventions Nos. 29 and 105 on forced labour

Forced labour: A synthesis report

This report aims to analyse selected surveys and assess the experience and lessons learned through the piloting of forced labour questionnaires and sampling tools.

Child labour in the Republic of Serbia

This policy brief provides an overview of the child labour situation in the Republic of Serbia, presenting key findings, conclusions and recommendations derived from multiple sources.

Small area estimation of child labour prevalence in Malawi

This report presents methods for estimating local level prevalence of child labour in Malawi. The aim of the study was to create a suitable model to estimate, at the lowest level possible, the prevalence of child labour in a way that allows for the...

Assessing compliance of the Mongolian prisons with ILO Conventions Nos. 29 and 105 on forced labour

This study aims to assess compliance with ILO Conventions No. 29 and No. 105 on forced labour in Mongolian prisons, and to review the progress made since the 2016 study.

Working conditions in prisons in Mongolia: Results from qualitative research

Small area estimation of child labour prevalence in Côte d’Ivoire

This report presents methods for estimating local level prevalence of child labour in Côte d'Ivoire. The aim of the study was to create a suitable model to estimate, at the lowest level possible, the prevalence of child labour in a way that allows...

Toolkit for mixed-methods research on child labour and forced labour

This toolkit is designed to provide practical guidance on conducting mixed-methods research on child labour and forced labour, equipping researchers new to researching child labour and forced labour with the tools necessary to generate rigorous,...

Nigeria Child Labour Survey 2022

The report aims to assess the prevalence of child labour in Nigeria and analyse the interaction between child labour, schooling and children’s well-being.

Nigeria Forced Labour Survey 2022

The main purpose of this survey is to improve information on forced labour through data collection and in-depth analysis.

New global estimates

Profits and poverty: The economics of forced labour

This report provides new estimates of the profits generated from forced labour and assesses how profits have changed since the last ILO estimates were published in 2014.

2024 edition

Hard to see, harder to count: Handbook on forced labour surveys

This revised version of the "Hard to see, harder to count" handbook provides an updated set of tools for the design, implementation and analysis of quantitative surveys on the forced labour of adults.

Towards freedom at sea: Handbook for the detection of forced labour in commercial fishing

This Handbook responds to the need for consolidated guidance on the detection of forced labour among fishers.

Meta-analysis of the effects of interventions on child labour

The meta-analysis included a comprehensive set of interventions to provide a quantitative assessment of their impact on child labour.

Understanding informality and child labour in sub-Saharan Africa

This study examines the interrelationship of child labour and informality in 22 sub-Saharan countries.

Understanding and addressing child labour across the Humanitarian-Development-Peace Nexus

Crises driven by armed conflict, disaster and outbreaks of disease are affecting growing numbers of children worldwide, increasing the risk of child labour and of other human rights violations. The numbers are staggering. According to the United...

Ethical guidelines for research on forced labour

The aim of this document is to provide guidelines on the safe and ethical conduct of research on forced labour and human trafficking.