U.S Statement on World Day Against Child Labor

Press Statement
Matthew Miller, Department Spokesperson
June 12, 2023

On World Day Against Child Labor, we highlight the importance of partnership in combatting child labor.  The recent G7 Summit in Hiroshima saw the United States and other leaders reaffirm their commitment to eradicate forced and compulsory labor, as well as child labor. They discussed measures such as legislation, regulations, and incentives to promote decent work and protect rights.  The Leaders’ Communiqué also emphasized the need for a consensus-based, implementable, legally binding instrument at the international level that adds value to the existing legal and policy approaches.

Despite the ratification of the Worst Forms of Child Labour Convention 182 by all International Labour Organization (ILO) members two decades ago, child labor remains a global issue. Approximately 80 million children, some as young as 5 years old, were involved in hazardous work in 2021, according to the ILO.  The United States welcomes increased international cooperation as it is crucial in our collective efforts to combat child labor, as no single government can address this issue alone.  As the United States underscored at the G7 Summit, unity of purpose is vital in addressing the world’s most significant challenges.

The Department of State’s Special Representative of International Labor Affairs collaborates with other U.S. government offices and international partners to effectively eliminate the worst forms of child labor.  To learn more, explore the State Department’s Country Reports on Human Rights, Trafficking in Persons Report, and the Department of Labor’s Findings on the Worst Forms of Child Labor portal.