Child labor, defined by the International Labour Organization as work depriving children of their childhood, potential, and their dignity, is a pressing global issue. Let’s explore this important topic through a collection of powerful photos.
On June 12, as we recognize the United Nations–sanctioned World Day Against Child Labour, we reflect on the 160 million children worldwide — almost 1 in 10 — engaged in child labor.
Among these children, 79 million worked under hazardous conditions in 2020.
Most child laborers, approximately 70% (112 million), work in agriculture, predominately farming and herding.
Child labor is most prevalent in impoverished regions, marked by dangers like armed conflict. Sub-Saharan Africa has the highest number of child laborers at 86.6 million children, followed by Central and Southern Asia with 26.3 million.
Children, especially vulnerable during their early developmental years, are at risk of injuries that may not be evident as physical and mental health problems until later stages of life.
Approximately 6.3 million children endure forced commercial sex exploitation.
Due to the ongoing impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, there has been a rise in child labor.
Regrettably, child labor prevents children from getting the education they need to break free from the cycle of poverty. One in 3 children in child labor are out of school.
World Vision places children at the center of all our holistic development work to equip communities to sustainably transform themselves.
We help empower children to understand and exercise their rights and equip them with tools to work toward their own well-being.
We collaborate with parents and communities to work toward the protection of children, helping safeguard their futures from the injustice of labor exploitation. Our efforts extend to working with governments to advocate for supporting and enforcing national child labor laws.
Our dedication lies at the core of supporting and nurturing the positive transformation of communities: helping ensure every child can reach a brighter future and fulfill their fullest potential.
