Child labor takes a devastating toll on the physical, mental, and social development of the 73 million children around the world engaged in dirty, dangerous, and degrading jobs. These children deserve an education, freedom, and overall the life God intended for them.
Around the world, 152 million children are involved in child labor, including 73 million in hazardous forms of child labor in industries such as agriculture, mining, fishing, commercial sexual exploitation, and factories. Of these, 4.3 million are in forced labor.
Since 1995, the International Labor Affairs Bureau has had a proven track record of success, working with nonprofits and communities to protect and provide services to nearly 2 million children in or at risk of being in hazardous child labor. Continuing these programs means that more children will be in school, children will be healthier, communities will be stronger, and as these children become adults, these communities will thrive.
Do not let funding for these programs be eliminated for FY25. Contact your members of Congress and tell them that you support programs that help prevent child labor.
Additional Links:
Learn more about protecting children in our leave behind.
Read related stories from the blog.
Last Updated: Jan 2025