SOCIETY — June 12, 2026
International Labour Organization Reports Nearly 138 Million Children Engaged in Labor Worldwide
The International Labour Organization reports that 138 million children are engaged in child labor worldwide, with Afghanistan facing significant challenges due to war, poverty, and economic pressures since 2021, though exact figures are unavailable.
The Ehtebar Desk — originates with Hasht-e Subh — corroborated by Amu TV — 2 min read
The International Labour Organization reports that nearly 138 million children worldwide are still engaged in child labor. The report was issued in connection with the World Day Against Child Labour.
Progress has been noted in the Asia-Pacific region, where the rate of child labor has declined from 5.6 percent to 3.1 percent since 2020, although 27.7 million children remain affected. Additionally, 54 million children globally are involved in hazardous work.
Afghanistan faces serious challenges with child labor. Prolonged wars, insecurity, poverty, and economic crises, along with reduced aid since 2021, have forced thousands of children into hard labor. Restrictions on girls' education have further increased the risks of exploitation. Exact figures for the number of children in child labor in Afghanistan are unavailable.
The organization has called for stronger action on education, social protection, and addressing the root causes of the problem.
Read the original reporting at Hasht-e Subh →
Reliability assessment
Two independent sources corroborate the core ILO announcement on global child labor figures and Afghan concerns with consistent attribution to the named organization
The source language reads straight.
Independent web corroboration
A separate web search returned 8 matching reports. A selection:
- One in 17 children is working: Here are the industries driving child labour | Child Rights News | Al Jazeeraaljazeera.com
Nearly 138 million of these children – about one in 17 – are engaged in child labour, including 54 million in hazardous work that endangers their health and safety, according to estimates by the International Labour Organization (ILO) and UNICEF.
Today, nearly 138 million children remain in child labour, including 54 million in hazardous work.
Today, nearly 138 million children remain trapped in child labour globally, including 54 million engaged in hazardous work that threatens their health, safety and development.
- ILO Demands Urgent Global Action as 138 Million Children Remain Trapped in Child Labour - Political Economistpoliticaleconomistng.com
The International Labour Organisation (ILO) has called for urgent and coordinated global action to end child labour, saying nearly 138 million children remain trapped in the practice worldwide.
Across the newsrooms
Where reports agree
- ILO announced 138 million children in global child labor on World Day Against Child Labour (June 12)
- Afghanistan faces serious child labor challenges due to wars, insecurity, poverty, and post-2021 economic pressures
- No exact figures available for child labor in Afghanistan
Where reports differ
- Amu TV reports Asia-Pacific reduction details (5.6% to 3.1%, 27.7 million); Hasht-e Subh does not
- Hasht-e Subh reports 54 million in hazardous work and quotes ILO Director-General; Amu TV does not
- Amu TV mentions girls' education restrictions increasing risks and 22 million needing aid; Hasht-e Subh does not
Filed by 2 outlets
Hasht-e Subh
Originating
Reported straight
Reported straight
Amu TV
Reported straight
Reported straight
Filed under
Society — Child Labour, ILO, Afghanistan, World Day Against Child Labour, Poverty
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