2021 International Year for the Elimination of Child Labour

The UN has declared 2021 as the International Year for the Elimination of Child Labour. The International Year will provide an opportunity to address the challenges posed by COVID-19 and to accelerate progress towards the goal set by SDG Target 8.7 to end child labour in all its forms by 2025. It will also propel momentum towards the V Global Conference on Child Labour (VGC) that will take place in South Africa in 2022.

While great strides have been made in tackling child labour, in recent years, progress has slowed and has been uneven across regions, age groups and sectors. The ongoing COVID-19 health pandemic threatens to drive more children into child labour. Joining forces to tackle child labour is now more important than ever. The global partnership Alliance 8.7 is driving action towards reaching SDG Target 8.7, and 22 Pathfinder Countries and 230 partner organizations have committed to accelerate action, share knowledge and implement innovative solutions.

This webpage and the website of Alliance 8.7 will bring together information about plans for celebrating this International Year, and the actions taken by governments, employers’ and workers’ organizations, UN agencies, civil society and other concerned entities. The campaigns and events that will be organized during this year provide an opportunity for all partners to join efforts to tackle child labour.