Red card to child labor: Progress stalls as millions remain trapped in work

Despite global promises to eradicate child labor, the reality remains stark, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa where nearly two-thirds of the child population, an estimated 87 million, are forced to work. Worldwide, the International Labour Organization (ILO) and UNICEF report that approximately 138 million minors are subjected to such practices, with a significant 54 million performing dangerous tasks. This situation falls far short of the Sustainable Development Goals' commitment to end child labor by 2025. While progress has been made since 2000, reducing the phenomenon by nearly half, the pace is deemed too slow and inconsistent. The ILO and UNICEF's latest report warns that recent gains are fragile, threatened by climate change, conflicts, institutional instability, and economic uncertainty. The global campaign 'Red Card to Child Labour: Fair Play for Children, Decent Work for Adults' continues to push for lasting solutions. Experts attribute the premature entry of children into the workforce to family economic hardship, sudden caregiver illness, or the loss of a primary breadwinner. School dropout rates often accompany this, and even school attendance does not guarantee meaningful learning or basic literacy and numeracy skills. Agriculture continues to be the dominant sector, employing 61% of child laborers, followed by services (27%) and industry (13%). Beyond hazardous work, children remain vulnerable to trafficking, forced labor, recruitment in armed conflicts, commercial sexual exploitation, and illicit activities. Migrant and refugee children are especially at risk, particularly those traveling alone or using irregular routes, facing heightened dangers of exploitation and trafficking.