The role of social protection in the elimination of child labour: Evidence review and policy implications

Authored jointly by the ILO and UNICEF, this report also shows that the impact of social protection measures is even greater if countries also put in place integrated systems that provide social protection benefits across the lifecycle.

Unfortunately, too little progress has been made in expanding social protection services to reach the families in greatest need – and the children at greatest risk. Worldwide, the families of approximately 1.5 billion children 14 and under receive no family or child cash benefits at all.

We can and must change this.

This report is intended to inform discussion at the 5th Global Conference on the Elimination of Child Labour, in South Africa in May 2022 – and to spur urgent action by governments to build comprehensive, child-sensitive social protection systems. The joint endeavour of Alliance 8.7 and the Global Partnership for Universal Social Protection (USP2030) could also be an important vehicle to advance this effort and support Member States.

We cannot emphasize strongly enough that the choices made by countries now will affect millions of children alive today and millions yet to be born. We urge decisionmakers to live up to their commitments – and to implement the recommendations contained in this report.

Investing more in universal social protection will help millions of children realize their right to be children – and to reach their full potential, free from the scourge of child labour.