First session of year of the the National Commission for the Gradual and Progressive Eradication of Child Labour in Honduras

TEGUCIGALPA, Honduras (ILO News) - On 12 February 2025, the National Commission for the Gradual and Progressive Eradication of Child Labour (CONETI) held its first meeting of the year in an atmosphere of cooperation and commitment. The meeting began with a warm welcome and a quorum check to ensure that the necessary members were present to take decisions.

The President of CONETI, Mr. Percy Durón, Undersecretary of Employment and Social Security of the Ministry of Labour and Social Security, officially opened the meeting. In his speech, he emphasized the importance of inter-institutional cooperation to eradicate child labour, stressing that only through joint efforts will it be possible to achieve the proposed objectives.

Dr. Lizeth Coello, Secretary of State for Children, Adolescents and the Family, then presented the reading of the previous minutes and updated those present on the agreements reached and their implementation status.

One of the highlights of the meeting was the presentation of the preliminary report of Volume III of the National Survey on Child Labour in Honduras. This report provided updated data and a detailed analysis of the current child labour situation in the country, providing a solid basis for informed decision-making.

© ILO/CLEAR Supply Chains project

© ILO/CLEAR Supply Chains project

The meeting also discussed the progress of the CLEAR Supply Chains project, a major initiative that includes the creation of child labour prevention committees and consultations to revise and update the list of hazardous work for adolescent aged 14 to 17 in Honduras. These advances are essential to strengthen prevention and protection measures for children and adolescents.

In addition, the proposed work plan of the Technical Council of CONETI for the year 2025 was presented, which prioritizes actions and strategies for this year in response to the international commitments of Honduras.

The CONETI meeting was made possible thanks to the support of the CLEAR Supply Chains project, co-funded by the European Union. The technical assistance provided by the project has been fundamental in strengthening tripartite social dialogue plus, as well as actions and initiatives aimed at eliminating child labour in Honduras.

© ILO/CLEAR Supply Chains project

© ILO/CLEAR Supply Chains project

Dr. Coello congratulated the good attendance of the meeting, with a total of 12 government ministries, the Honduran Council of Private Enterprise (COHEP) representing the employers, the General Workers' Confederation (CGT) representing trade unions, and two civil society organizations. She concluded the meeting by reaffirming the commitment of all participants to work together and effectively to protect the rights of children and adolescents.

The eradication of child labour is a task that requires the joint effort of all sectors of society. We are committed to continue advancing in this fight and to guarantee a better future for our children and adolescents.
Dr. Lizeth Coello, Secretary of State for Children, Adolescents and the Family.

This first CONETI meeting of the year marks a decisive step in the fight against child labour in Honduras and shows that with will and cooperation, it is possible to build a fairer and safer future for all children and adolescents in the country.