Every year on June 12, the world comes together to observe World Day Against Child Labour which is a day that is dedicated to raising awareness and encouraging swift action to eliminate child labour in every form. The initiative was first launched in 2002 by the International Labour Organization (ILO), this global observance serves as a reminder that millions of children across the world are still trapped in work that robs them of their childhood, education, and future.
The UN website mentions: “The International Labour Organization (ILO) launched the World Day Against Child Labour in 2002 to focus attention on the global extent of child labour and the action and efforts needed to eliminate it. Each year on 12 June, the World Day brings together governments, employers and workers organizations, civil society, as well as millions of people from around the world to highlight the plight of child labourers and what can be done to help them.”
The theme for World Day Against Child Labour 2025 is declared by the ILO, and it provides a focused lens on current global challenges and aims to inspire governments, civil society, and individuals to take stronger, more effective action.
Here is the official theme of World Day Against Child Labour 2025 along with the most recent global estimates based on the latest UN reports.
What the Theme for World Day Against Child Labour 2025?
The official theme according to the International Labour Organisation is “Progress is clear, but there's more to do: let’s speed up efforts!”. This theme highlights that while the world has made progress in reducing child labour, there is a still a lot of work to do. Millions of children are still involved in jobs that harm their health, education, and overall well-being. The theme serves as a reminder that we need to act faster and make better efforts to protect the future of the world.
This theme encourages governments, communities, and organisations to work together and take stronger steps to end child labour.
World Day Against Child Labour 2025: Latest Data and Global Estimates As Per UN
1. Globally, only 1.1% of GDP is spent on child protection.
This means that out of all the money countries earn, just a small portion goes toward programs that help protect children and support their well-being.
2. In Africa, the spending on child protection is even lower—only 0.4% of GDP.
This shows that many African countries are struggling to invest in systems that keep children safe, healthy, and in school.
3. Many children around the world still don’t get the social protection they need.
This includes things like health care, education support, or help when their families are in financial trouble.
4. Millions of children are trapped in child labour because basic support systems are missing.
When families don’t have access to help, they often have no choice but to send their children to work.
5. To end child labour, countries need to spend more on child-focused welfare programs.
Better support can keep children in school, improve their health, and give families hope for a better future.
6. The difference in spending between global and African countries shows unfairness in support.
While some countries provide more help for their children, others, especially in Africa, fall far behind—making it harder to end child labour there.
7. Low government funding is one of the biggest reasons many children remain unprotected.
Without proper budgets for child welfare, it’s hard to give kids the support they deserve.
In conclusion, World Day Against Child Labour 2025 highlights the disparity that many underprivileged children are facing and the global data showcases that there is need to take strict actions and develop opportunities to provide better development to the future generations.
READ| Important Days in June
