Türkiye Recognized as Pathfinder Country in Global Fight Against Child Labour

ANKARA - Türkiye's unwavering commitment to combatting child labour has earned it the status of being recognized as a Pathfinder Country in the global fight against child labour. This recognition comes after decades of dedicated efforts and strategic initiatives aimed at eliminating child labour within its borders.

Türkiye's journey towards this milestone began in 1992 when it became one of the first six countries to participate in the International Labour Organization’s (ILO) International Programme on the Elimination of Child Labour (IPEC). Subsequently, Türkiye ratified key international conventions such as the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child and various ILO conventions related to child labour.

Over the years, Türkiye has implemented comprehensive national programs aimed at eradicating child labour, culminating in the successful reduction of child labour rates from 15.2% in 1994 to 4.4% in 2019 among children aged 5-17.

In 2024, Türkiye's efforts were further recognized as it officially became an Alliance 8.7 Pathfinder Country, joining a global coalition dedicated to achieving UN Sustainable Development Goal Target 8.7, which aims to end child labour, forced labour, modern slavery, and human trafficking by 2025.

The path to Pathfinder Country status involved rigorous processes, including the submission of a strategic roadmap outlining Türkiye's commitments and actions towards achieving Target 8.7. With the technical support, expertise and guidance of the ILO Office for Türkiye, Türkiye navigated through the requirements, ensuring that its roadmap aligned with international standards and best practices.

After a thorough review by the Global Coordinating Group of Alliance 8.7, Türkiye was declared a Pathfinder Country, solidifying its position as a leader in the global fight against child labour.

As an Alliance 8.7 Pathfinder Country, Türkiye pledges to strengthen its efforts in eliminating child labour, combatting forced labour and human trafficking, and sharing its experiences with the global community. The implementation phase will see Türkiye focus on executing its roadmap and fulfilling its national commitments in alignment with the Alliance 8.7 Accountability Framework.

The recognition of Türkiye as a Pathfinder Country underscores its dedication to upholding human rights, promoting social justice, and ensuring the well-being of its youngest citizens. Through continued collaboration with international partners and stakeholders, Türkiye aims to make further steps towards creating a world free from the child labour.