Türkiye Steps Up Fight Against Child Labour

The discussions come at a time when child labour continues to affect millions of children worldwide despite years of international efforts to eliminate the practice.

Representatives from government institutions, international organizations, employers, workers' groups, civil society and academia are set to gather in Ankara as Türkiye strengthens efforts to tackle child labour and protect vulnerable children. The high-level roundtable, taking place ahead of the World Day Against Child Labour on 12 June, is being jointly organized by the International Labour Organization (ILO), UNICEF and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) Office in Türkiye.

Held under the auspices of the United Nations Resident Coordinator in Türkiye, the event will provide a platform for key stakeholders to discuss how existing commitments can be transformed into stronger and more coordinated action across the country. Participants are expected to focus on practical measures that can accelerate progress in reducing child labour while improving opportunities for children to access education, protection and a safer future.

Global challenge remains far from solved

The discussions come at a time when child labour continues to affect millions of children worldwide despite years of international efforts to eliminate the practice.

According to global estimates, around 138 million children remain involved in child labour, with nearly 54 million engaged in hazardous work that can threaten their health, safety and development. The issue received renewed attention earlier this year during the Sixth Global Conference on the Elimination of Child Labour held in Marrakech. Governments, international organizations and social partners used the conference to reaffirm commitments to ending child labour and highlighted the need for faster implementation of existing policies.

While many countries have introduced laws and programmes aimed at protecting children, international organizations warn that progress has slowed in recent years. Economic pressures, poverty, conflicts and disruptions to education continue to place children at greater risk of entering the workforce prematurely. The Ankara roundtable is expected to build on the momentum generated in Marrakech by identifying practical steps that can deliver measurable results at the national level.

Focus on action, cooperation and children's rights

This year's World Day Against Child Labour is being marked under the global theme, "Red card to child labour: Fair play for children, decent work for adults."

The slogan highlights the connection between protecting children and ensuring adults have access to decent employment opportunities that can support families without relying on child labour.

Organizers say stronger cooperation between public institutions, employers, workers' organizations and community groups will be essential if meaningful progress is to be achieved.

The roundtable will explore ways to strengthen existing programmes, improve coordination among stakeholders and ensure that policies designed to protect children are effectively implemented.

By bringing together national and international partners, the initiative seeks to reinforce Türkiye's integrated approach to tackling child labour and supporting vulnerable families.

Officials hope the discussions will help turn global commitments into concrete action, contributing to safer childhoods, stronger communities and better opportunities for future generations.