Honduras Shows a “Red Card” to Child Labour and Strengthens Measures in the Coffee Sector
16 June 2026
The International Labor Organization (ILO), in coordination with stakeholders in the coffee sector, local authorities, and development partners, commemorated the World Day Against Child Labour in Honduras with a national event held in San Juan, Intibucá, as part of the global “Red Card Against Child Labour” campaign.
San Juan, Intibucá, HONDURAS (ILO News) - Honduras joined this global campaign by issuing a strong call to eliminate this practice and promote responsible supply chains, especially in the coffee sector.
The event, organized by the ILO in coordination with the Municipality of San Juan, Intibucá, highlighted the persistent challenges of child labour in key productive sectors such as coffee, while promoting a joint commitment among the government, the private sector, workers, communities, and international cooperation to accelerate its eradication.
The event brought together local authorities, representatives of the private sector, cooperatives, workers’ organizations, communities, and international cooperation agencies in a forum for dialogue aimed at promoting concrete solutions to child labour in rural areas.
A Red Card to Stop Child Labor
Inspired by the language of sports, the “Red Card Against Child Labour” campaign calls for fair play for children and decent work for adults, promoting the mobilization of governments, businesses, and communities to guarantee children’s rights.
In this context, local leaders and stakeholders in the coffee sector reaffirmed their commitment to take coordinated action to prevent child labour, especially in activities considered hazardous that affect the health, education, and overall development of children and adolescents.
Concrete Actions in Supply Chains
The event was organized by the ILO as part of the CLEAR Supply Chains project: “Ending Child Labor in Supply Chains,” co-financed by the European Union and implemented by the ILO in partnership with FAO, UNICEF, and the International Trade Centre.
This project promotes a comprehensive approach to addressing the root causes of child labour, including strengthening social compliance in the coffee supply chain, community-based prevention, and the creation of opportunities for young people.
During the event, best practices from the private sector were highlighted, as well as examples of regional coordination that enable municipalities and communities to monitor and respond to child labour.
Education, Decent Work, and Partnerships: Keys to Change
The commemoration also reaffirmed the role of social dialogue and multisectoral partnerships as essential tools for moving toward more sustainable supply chains free of child labour.
In line with the campaign’s messages, participants emphasized that eliminating child labour requires:
• Promoting decent work for adults as a sustainable alternative.
• Ensuring access to education and technical training for young people.
• Promoting responsible supply chains with private-sector participation.
• Strengthening local governance and community action.
A National Commitment to the Eradication of Child Labor
Through initiatives such as this one, Honduras continues to strengthen efforts to prevent and eradicate child labour, especially in priority agricultural sectors, and is making progress toward achieving Target 8.7 of the Sustainable Development Goals, which seeks to eliminate child labour in all its forms through multisectoral partnerships and comprehensive public policies.
The event concluded with a call to all Honduran society to show child labour the red card, joining forces to ensure that all children and adolescents grow up in safe environments, with access to education and opportunities for a dignified future.
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