Global Marrakech Framework Adopted to Accelerate Action Against Child Labour

Opening the Conference, ILO Director-General Gilbert F. Houngbo warned that the world is falling dangerously behind in its pledge to eliminate child labour by 2030.

A newly adopted Global Framework for Action against Child Labour is calling for stronger implementation of international labour standards, tougher enforcement, and scaled-up interventions to address the continued exploitation of millions of children worldwide.

The Framework was adopted at the 6th Global Conference on the Elimination of Child Labour, held in Marrakech from 11 to 13 February 2026, bringing together governments, employers’ and workers’ organizations, and a broad coalition of partners.

With an estimated 138 million children still in child labour, including 54 million in hazardous work, the Framework aims to fast-track proven solutions and close the gap between global commitments and real-world implementation.

“At the Current Pace, We Will Not Meet the 2030 Target”

Opening the Conference, ILO Director-General Gilbert F. Houngbo warned that the world is falling dangerously behind in its pledge to eliminate child labour by 2030.

“At the current pace, we will not reach the goal of eliminating child labour by 2030,” Houngbo said.

He stressed that the challenge is not a lack of solutions, but the failure to implement effective measures at scale.

Strengthening International Labour Standards and Enforcement

The Framework calls for stronger application of key international conventions, including:

• ILO Minimum Age Convention, 1973 (No. 138)

• ILO Worst Forms of Child Labour Convention, 1999 (No. 182)

It urges countries to improve enforcement systems, strengthen institutions, expand social dialogue, and ensure effective national and international coordination.

Unanimous Adoption and Focus on High-Risk Sectors

Morocco’s Minister of Economic Inclusion, Small Business, Employment and Skills, Younes Sekkouri, said the unanimous adoption of the Framework represents a renewed global commitment.

“The Global Marrakesh Framework of Action… will enable us to join forces and work together with focus and determination to eradicate child labour globally,” Sekkouri said.

He highlighted agriculture as one of the sectors where urgent action is needed, particularly in rural areas where child labour is most prevalent.

Prevention at the Core: Education, Social Protection, Decent Work

A central focus of the Framework is prevention, especially for:

• The youngest children aged 5 to 11

• Rural communities

• Agricultural supply chains

Key priorities include:

• Universal access to free, compulsory, quality basic education

• Strengthened social protection systems for children and families

• Promoting decent work opportunities for adults and youth

The Framework recognizes child labour as both a cause and consequence of poverty, shaped by structural factors such as unemployment, weak protections, and gaps in essential services.

Integrated Responses to Address Root Causes

Rather than isolated interventions, the Framework calls for multidimensional strategies linking:

• Education and skills development

• Employment creation

• Social protection

• Child protection services

The goal is to tackle the underlying drivers of child labour while scaling up interventions proven to work.

Emerging Threats: Technology-Facilitated Exploitation

The Framework also highlights persistent and emerging challenges, including technology-enabled commercial sexual exploitation of children, calling for updated regulatory and policy responses that better protect children in the digital age.

Monitoring, Accountability, and Better Data

To ensure measurable progress, the Framework sets expectations for:

• Improved child labour data collection

• Regular monitoring using agreed indicators

• Stronger accountability mechanisms

Special Focus on Africa

While recognizing Africa as a source of innovation and good practice, the Framework notes the region has the highest prevalence and absolute number of children in child labour, requiring targeted support and investment.

Building on the Durban Call to Action

The Marrakech Framework builds on the 2022 Durban Call to Action, which remains relevant but has not been fully implemented.

It underscores that eliminating child labour must remain central to global sustainable development priorities through 2030 and beyond, supported by sustained political leadership, financing, and accountability.

The Framework sends a clear message: ending child labour is achievable, but only if governments and partners accelerate action now.