Trinidad and Tobago advances child labour policy with ILO support

Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago (ILO News) – Stakeholders from across Trinidad and Tobago gathered on 3 December for a pivotal National Multipartite Stakeholder Consultation aimed at finalizing the country’s child labour policy. Hosted by the Ministry of Labour, Small and Micro Enterprise Development, the consultation brought together government officials, employers, workers’ representatives, and civil society, underscoring the nation’s commitment to eliminating child labour in all its forms.

The day began with opening remarks by Ms. Lorris Alfred, Deputy Permanent Secretary (Ag.) in the Ministry, who emphasized the importance of collaboration in shaping a policy that protects children while promoting social justice and decent work standards.

ILO perspective on child labour in Trinidad and Tobago
In her intervention, Ms. Noortje Denkers, Deputy Director of the ILO Decent Work Team and Office for the Caribbean, highlighted Trinidad and Tobago’s strong leadership and long-standing commitment to eliminating child labour. Reflecting on both regional progress and local achievements, she praised the country’s efforts over the past few years in establishing the National Child Labour Steering Committee, defining hazardous work lists, and integrating child labour data into national surveys. She emphasized that finalizing the national policy is more than a legislative exercise, it is a tangible step toward safeguarding children’s rights, preventing exploitation, and ensuring that every child enjoys a safe and opportunity-filled childhood. “Trinidad and Tobago has shown what is possible when institutions work together. With this policy, we can move decisively closer to a future where no child is left behind,” said Ms. Denkers, underscoring the ILO’s commitment to support the country in implementing effective, evidence-driven measures against child labour.

Data-driven insights: Child labour in 2025
Ms. Resel Melville, Communications and Information Management Officer at the ILO Caribbean Office, presented on “Child Labour in 2025: Global Realities, Regional Priorities, Caribbean Progress”, providing a data-driven overview of child labour trends worldwide and in the Caribbean. She highlighted global declines in child labour, while stressing persistent vulnerabilities in the region. Ms. Melville emphasized the importance of data collection and analysis on child labour to support evidence-based interventions, and robust monitoring systems to identify risks, track progress, and guide policy decisions. She also highlighted the need for intersectoral collaboration across labour, education, and social protection to ensure national strategies effectively reach children most at risk. “Reliable data and coordinated action are the cornerstones of protecting children from labour exploitation. By understanding where risks are highest, we can target interventions that truly change lives,” said Ms. Melville, highlighting the critical role of informed policy in the fight against child labour.

A feature address delivered by Ms. Natalie Willis, Permanent Secretary, reinforced the Ministry’s commitment to child protection and the practical steps required to ensure the effective implementation of the policy. Dr. Kimberly Ann Gittens-Baynes, ILO consultant who has been working with the Ministry, providing expert support for research and drafting of for the policy, gave a comprehensive overview of the draft policy, highlighting key provisions and the areas for stakeholders’ feedback.

In the working sessions of the consultation, participants engaged in group discussions, reviewing the recommendations and monitoring criteria for the strategic actions proposed in the draft policy and its operational framework. The actions address enforcement mechanisms, awareness campaigns, and the role of communities in supporting children at risk. An open forum allowed for additional feedback, ensuring that all voices were heard in shaping a robust and actionable policy.

The consultation concluded with closing remarks by Ms. Claris Kowlessar Deputy Permanent Secretary (Ag.), who thanked all participants for their contributions and reiterated the Ministry’s commitment to finalizing and implementing a child labour policy that safeguards the rights and well-being of every child in Trinidad and Tobago.

The ILO’s participation in this consultation reflects its ongoing dedication to supporting Caribbean countries in promoting decent work, social justice, and the elimination of child labour, ensuring that the next generation can grow in safety, opportunity, and dignity.