Cairo – The General Secretariat of the Arab League, the Arab Labor Organization, the Arab Council for Childhood and Development, and the Arab Gulf Program for Development (AGFUND) affirmed that fighting child labor is a deep ethical and developmental commitment. They called it a true test of social justice and society’s ability to protect children, especially as poverty, conflicts, and crises continue to widen.
In a joint statement marking World Day Against Child Labor, observed annually on June 12, the organizations stressed that 2026 carries special importance due to ongoing challenges hindering the global goal of eradicating child labor. International estimates indicate that around 138 million children are still engaged in work worldwide, including 54 million in hazardous jobs that threaten their health and safety.
The statement highlighted increasing challenges in the Arab region due to wars, conflicts, and socioeconomic crises. These have led to displacement, migration, rising poverty, and declining opportunities for decent work, all of which push more children into the labor force at an early age and under dangerous conditions. The groups also noted that digital developments have given rise to new forms of economic exploitation of children via online platforms and apps. This requires policies and legislation that provide a safe digital environment and protect children from all kinds of exploitation.
The organizations drew attention to the severe humanitarian situation faced by children in occupied Palestine, especially in Gaza, due to war, displacement, and lack of access to food, education, and healthcare. They urged the international community to act urgently to protect these children and uphold their rights under international humanitarian law and the Convention on the Rights of the Child.
The four organizations renewed their commitment to adopting comprehensive policies that tackle the root causes of child labor. This includes expanding social protection systems, improving education quality, increasing decent work opportunities for adults and youth, enforcing national legislation, investing in data and innovation, and strengthening regional and international partnerships to accelerate joint efforts to end child labor.
The statement concluded by emphasizing that ending child labor is essential to achieving social justice and sustainable development. The organizations reaffirmed their dedication to working with Arab countries to ensure every child enjoys a safe childhood, quality education, and a dignified life.