Is child labour falling?
As of 2024, children in child labour is 7.8%: −8.2 pts since 2000.
Why it changed
Free compulsory schooling, social-protection and cash-transfer schemes, and ratified ILO conventions backed by labour inspection cut the share of children in child labour from 16.0% in 2000 to 7.8%. At the same time, about 138 million children are still working, and progress slowed enough that the world missed its 2025 target to end it.
Source · ILO & UNICEF (Global Estimates 2024) © ILO/UNICEF, attribution required (see source) Last reviewed 2026-06-30
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What is the source for this number?
ILO & UNICEF (Global Estimates 2024). Last reviewed 2026-06-30 — © ILO/UNICEF, attribution required (see source).
How has this changed since 2000?
−8.2 pts since 2000. As of 2024, children in child labour stands at 7.8%.
What still isn't solved?
About 138 million children are still working, and progress slowed enough that the world missed its 2025 target to end it.