A Safe Future for Every Child: How Multisectoral Partnership Ends Child Labour

Problem: Child labour is a global crisis, violating the rights of over 138 million children, with 54 million in hazardous work like mining (driven by demand for minerals in green energy and electronics).[1] Child labour subjects children to violence and exploitation, and robs them of education and development. Evidence shows the social and economic costs of violence against children manifest at the time of the violence and throughout the life course, often into subsequent generations.[2] The root causes are multi-dimensional poverty, harmful social norms, and a lack of quality education.

Key Finding: Accelerating systemic change requires multi stakeholder collaboration centred on the lived experiences of affected children to create survivor centered systems. A multi-pronged approach to strengthen systems, increase accountability, and tackle root causes is needed.

Key Recommendations

• Ensure meaningful and inclusive participation of children as a non-negotiable step.
• Bridge silos and financially support local civil society organizations to reach vulnerable communities.
• Companies must strengthen due diligence and commit to paying living wages across supply chains to prevent poverty-driven child labour.
• Strengthen social protection and community initiatives through targeted research and public budgeting to address root causes.
• Implement policies to formalize artisanal and small-scale mining with clear regulations, child labour-free zones, and robust inspection. mechanisms.