Cote d’Ivoire celebrates the World Day Against Child Labor in Soubré
27 June 2024
Soubré, June 12, 2024 – Cote d’Ivoire marked the 2024 World Day Against Child Labor (WTD) with a significant event in Soubré. Under the theme "Let's act on our commitments: End child labour", the celebration focused on the 25th anniversary of the adoption of ILO Convention No. 182 on the worst forms of child labour, universally ratified in 2020.
Established by the International Labor Organization (ILO) in 2002, WYD aims to raise public awareness of the prevalence of child labour and call for concrete actions to eliminate it. This year's event highlighted the urgency of redoubled efforts to end child labour in all its forms, particularly considering the recent reversal of global trends. Côte d'Ivoire, as a pioneer country of Alliance 8.7, has reaffirmed its commitment to eliminating child labour by 2025.
Organized by the ACCEL Africa and ENACTE projects in collaboration with various partners, the event aimed to promote ILO Conventions No. 182 and No. 138. It provided a platform for partners to showcase their activities and share experiences, and informed participants of ongoing initiatives, successes and best practices in the fight against child labour.
The day began with the welcome and installation of participants, followed by opening speeches and the presentation of the agenda by local authorities and ILO representatives.
An awareness session on child labour, using booklets, posters and brochures, provided crucial information to participants. Engaging skits and interactive sessions highlighted the importance of ending child labour. Exhibitions highlighted the achievements and best practices of various stakeholders, including CNAM, CNPS and microfinance providers. These exhibits illustrated the ongoing efforts and successful strategies employed in the fight against child labour.
In the afternoon, awareness tools were distributed to educators, and certificates were given to learners of the DAIP program. The event concluded with tours of the exhibition stands, allowing participants to better understand collaborative efforts to eliminate child labour.
The event brought together government representatives, social protection agencies, employers and workers' organizations, representatives of cooperatives, private sector entities, microfinance providers and local community leaders. Notable participants included the Prefecture of Soubré, members of the CNS, MEPS and the regional coordination committee, as well as representatives from leading organizations such as Tony’s, CARGILL and BARRY CALLEBAUT.
The World Day Against Child Labor 2024 in Soubré was a resounding success, bringing together a diverse group of stakeholders united by a common goal: ending child labour in Cote d’Ivoire. Through collective action and continued commitment, the country is making significant progress towards creating a future free of child labour, in alignment with the global goal to eliminate child labour by 2025.