ISLAMABAD, Jun 11 (APP):International Labour Organization (ILO) Country Director Geir T. Tonstol Thursday called for accelerated and sustained efforts to eliminate child labour, emphasizing the need to address underlying socio-economic challenges including poverty, informal employment and limited access to education. Speaking at a media interaction ahead of the World Day Against Child Labour, observed globally on June 12, he said this year’s theme, “Red Cards to Child Labour: Fair Play for …
ILO calls for enhanced efforts to eliminate child labour, stresses education and decent work opportunities
ISLAMABAD, Jun 11 (APP):International Labour Organization (ILO) Country Director Geir T. Tonstol Thursday called for accelerated and sustained efforts to eliminate child labour, emphasizing the need to address underlying socio-economic challenges including poverty, informal employment and limited access to education.
Speaking at a media interaction ahead of the World Day Against Child Labour, observed globally on June 12, he said this year’s theme, “Red Cards to Child Labour: Fair Play for Children, Decent Work for Adults,” highlights the importance of collective action to protect children and promote decent work opportunities for adults.
He said the eradication of child labour requires a comprehensive approach that ensures improved livelihoods for families, strengthened social protection systems and enhanced access to quality education for all children.
The ILO Country Director Geir T. Tonstol noted that while progress has been made globally, child labour continues to remain a concern in various regions, including parts of the world where socio-economic vulnerabilities persist.
He said available estimates indicate that a significant number of children remain out of school, underscoring the importance of strengthening education systems and improving school enrolment and retention rates.
Geir T. Tonstol said child labour is more prevalent in rural and underserved areas, where children are often engaged in agriculture, brick kilns, domestic work and informal sector activities.
He stressed the importance of effective implementation of international labour standards, including ILO Conventions No. 138 and No. 182, which Pakistan has ratified, and noted that continued progress in this area would support broader social and economic development goals.
He further highlighted that structural factors, including informality in labour markets and economic vulnerabilities, can increase risks for children in certain circumstances, particularly during periods of economic or climate-related shocks.
The ILO official also drew attention to the need for greater awareness and strengthened institutional coordination among government bodies, employers’ organizations, workers’ representatives and civil society to address child labour in a sustainable manner.
He said the media can play an important role in raising awareness and promoting responsible messaging on the issue.
Reaffirming the ILO’s commitment, he said the organization stands ready to support Pakistan in its ongoing efforts to advance social protection, expand access to education, and promote decent work for all segments of society.
He emphasized that sustained collaboration among stakeholders is essential to achieving long-term progress toward the elimination of child labour and ensuring better opportunities for future generations.
