One in 17 Children Worldwide Still Trapped in Labour, UN Agencies Warn

Millions of children across the world continue to be engaged in labour despite years of international efforts to eradicate the practice, according to the latest estimates released by global agencies. The findings reveal that approximately one in every 17 children worldwide is involved in child labour, highlighting the persistent challenge faced by governments and humanitarian organisations.

Data compiled by the International Labour Organization (ILO) and UNICEF indicate that nearly 138 million children are currently working in conditions that interfere with their education, health and overall development. Of these, an estimated 54 million are involved in hazardous forms of labour that expose them to dangerous environments, heavy machinery, toxic substances and physically demanding tasks.

Agriculture remains the largest contributor to child labour globally, accounting for around 61 percent of all reported cases. Children working in this sector are often engaged in crop cultivation, livestock farming, fishing and forestry-related activities. Many of these jobs involve long working hours and limited access to schooling.

The services sector represents the second-largest share of child labour, making up approximately 27 percent of the total. Children employed in this category are commonly found working as domestic helpers, street vendors, waste collectors or assisting in transportation and hospitality services.

Meanwhile, around 13 percent of child labourers work in industrial sectors such as manufacturing, construction and mining. These occupations frequently place children in hazardous conditions, increasing the risk of workplace injuries and long-term health complications.

The report also underscores the uneven global distribution of child labour. Sub-Saharan Africa continues to record the highest prevalence rates, driven by a combination of poverty, armed conflict, population growth and inadequate access to quality education. Other regions in Asia and Latin America also continue to struggle with significant numbers of working children.

Advocacy groups have renewed calls for stronger social protection systems, increased investment in education and stricter enforcement of labour laws to address the root causes of child exploitation. Experts warn that without sustained political commitment and targeted interventions, millions of children could remain deprived of their right to a safe childhood and a meaningful education.