Fifth Global Conference on the Elimination of Child Labour

During the week from 15 to 20 May 2022, the Government of South Africa will host the Fifth Global Conference on the Elimination of Child Labour.

It will build on four previous Global Conferences, in Buenos Aires (2017), Brasilia (2013), The Hague (2010) and Oslo (1997), landmark events that raised the issue on the political agenda, mobilized resources and set the strategic direction for the worldwide movement against child labour.

The Fifth Global Conference comes at a critical time. The Worst Forms of Child Labour Convention, 1999 (No. 182) achieved universal ratification in 2020, and 2021 was declared the International Year for the Elimination of Child Labour by the UN. The Minimum Age Convention, 1973 (No. 138) is among the most highly ratified Conventions. Despite such unprecedented commitments, there are still 160 million children in child labour, and the COVID-19 pandemic threatens to reverse years of progress. The effective implementation of ILO child labour Conventions is needed, more than ever.

The Conference will bring together some 4,000 representatives from governments, trade unions, the private sector, civil society regional and international organizations, think tanks, academia, youth and children, to discuss critical issues and share solutions that work.

The Conference, which is expected to involve in-person as well as virtual participation, provides an opportunity to assess progress towards achieving SDG Target 8.7, discuss good practices implemented by different actors around the world, and identify gaps and urgent measures to accelerate the elimination of both child labour and forced labour. The programme includes forums, panel discussions and brainstorming sessions, which will make a real difference in the lives of children in child labour everywhere.

More information

Information on registry and online participation will follow soon. Meanwhile, should you have any questions or comments, please contact Mr Sipho Ndebele and Mr Siyabonga Hadebe.