Safeguarding children in Saudi Arabia: training frontliners to combat child labour

RIYADH (ILO/ ITCILO News) – In a major stride toward eradicating child labour, the Family Affairs Council of Saudi Arabia, in partnership with the International Labour Organization (ILO), and the International Training Centre of the ILO (ITCILO) hosted a comprehensive "Training of Trainers for Frontliners."

The programme launched with a five-day training in Riyadh, aimed to empower participants with the skills and knowledge needed to tackle child labour effectively, aligning national efforts with global standards.

© ILO

© ILO

Highlighting Saudi Arabia’s Commitment

The training builds upon Saudi Arabia’s landmark achievement of adopting a National Child Labour Policy. This policy aligns with international labour standards and outlines actionable steps for implementation. As Maymouna Al Khalil, Secretary General of the Family Affairs Council, noted.

“Being here today reflects our commitment to creating a healthy and safe environment for children in Saudi Arabia, and to lead the region in safeguarding children’s rights, aligning with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 goal of fostering a vibrant society where all individuals, especially children, can thrive in a safe and supportive environment,” Al Khalil said.

The ILO emphasized the global importance of this initiative, with Peter Rademaker, ILO Deputy Regional Director for Arab States, stating: “Addressing child labour is crucial not only from a human rights perspective but also for fostering sustainable social and economic development. Together with the Family Affairs Council, we are proud to support the Kingdom in contributing to a world free from child labour.”

Programme overview

© ILO

© ILO

The training was designed and delivered by Zeina Mezher, Programme Officer on Fundamental Rights at the ITCILO, combining technical expertise with interactive methodologies to provide participants with a comprehensive understanding of child labour. This first phase included a detailed exploration of Saudi Arabia’s policies, insights into international standards and global best practices in addressing root causes of child labour. Participants also engaged in practical group work and case studies, enhancing their ability to apply the knowledge to real-world scenarios.

The second phase of the training programme focused on equipping participants with applied tools and soft skills, enabling them to apply their knowledge effectively in practical scenarios. The training includes strategies for identifying children at risk of dropping out of school or becoming involved in child labour, as well as techniques for safeguarding their rights. Participants also learned how to transfer their knowledge to other institutions, fostering broader cooperation and protection for vulnerable children.

Participants in this phase included government officials from various ministries and agencies, such as the Ministry of Media, Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture (MEWA), Ministry of Sports, Ministry of Education, Public Prosecution, General Entertainment Authority, and the Human Rights Commission.

© ILO

© ILO

A regional benchmark for change

This training programme is part of the second phase of the Technical Cooperation Programme between the ILO and the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. As part of this phase, the ILO is providing support to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia on the implementation of the National Child Labour Policy through training activities aimed at enhancing the knowledge of agencies and departments dealing with child labour and building the capacities of labour inspectors and law enforcers to detect and report on child labour.

The training represents a continuation of the phased capacity-building initiative outlined in Saudi Arabia's National Child Labour Policy, with further sessions planned to extend into 2025, reinforcing ILO’s and the Kingdom's partnership in eradicating child labour and advancing progress toward achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.