Join WROs Global Pledge Against Child Labor

The Reality We Face

• Today, an estimated 160 million children around the world are engaged in child labor — that’s nearly 1 in 10 children worldwide.

• Almost half of them (79 million) are trapped in hazardous work that endangers their health, safety, and development.

• In the MENA region, there are about 2 million children under the age of 18 working,  Among children aged 5-11, approximately 5.5 % are working in the region.

• Much of the increase in child labor in recent years is linked to conflict, displacement, and economic instability (e.g. Syria, Yemen, Iraq).

• The majority are found in sectors like agriculture, mining, domestic work, and manufacturing, where exploitation often goes unseen.

• Poverty, inequality, and lack of access to quality education are among the biggest drivers keeping children in labor.

These numbers are not just statistics — they are stolen childhoods, silenced voices, and broken dreams.

On this World Day Against Child Labor, we unite our voices to protect every child’s right to a safe, free, and dignified childhood. Child labor steals education, health, and dreams—and together, we can end it.

We pledge to:

• Stand united against every form of child labor, exploitation, and abuse, guided by international conventions and national commitments.

• Advocate for stronger laws, policies, and enforcement that safeguard children’s rights while ensuring accountability and progress.

• Champion education as the most powerful tool to break the cycle of poverty and give children a pathway to brighter futures.

• Empower families and communities with awareness, resources, and sustainable opportunities that prevent child labor at its roots.

• Collaborate across sectors—governments, civil society, and the private sector—to build lasting, systemic solutions.

• Inspire individuals everywhere to take action, raise awareness, and stand with children who cannot yet speak for themselves.

Every child deserves a childhood filled with learning, play, and hope—not labor. Ending child labor is both a moral duty and a shared responsibility.

Together, we can break the cycle, protect childhood, and create a world where every child is free to dream and thrive.

Every year, WRO supports thousands of families and children in strengthening child safeguarding protections and promoting holistic well-being. Our psychosocial support programs equip parents and caregivers with the tools and resources they need to create healthy, positive, and joyful environments for their children. We provide guidance on positive coping mechanisms, mental health support, and strategies to navigate the socio-economic challenges parents often face.

For children, WRO ensures access to learning, play, and recreational activities, while offering specialized support for single-parent and female-headed households. We also provide non-formal education and skills-building opportunities, helping children and youth develop practical and academic competencies.

Recognizing that children in conflict-affected and displaced communities often have to grow up too quickly, WRO’s frontline interventions are crucial. Adolescents and youth are given safe spaces to explore their identities, navigate adolescence, and engage in positive activities, reducing vulnerability to extremist ideologies or harmful influences. They are encouraged to express themselves creatively and pursue their interests while accessing education and skills development.

We also understand that in many cases, parents are unable to work due to disabilities, conflict, or other challenges, placing additional responsibility on their children. In response, WRO provides safe, dignified opportunities for youth to engage in literacy, language, computer skills, and other non-formal education programs, preparing them for future academic or employment opportunities.

Additionally, WRO supports the unique needs of orphans, unaccompanied, and separated children.

Families and children have access to child protection case management, legal aid, psychological care, individual and group support, advocacy, and awareness-raising on child issues. Our approach is holistic and integrated, aiming to prevent family violence, combat child exploitation, and foster healthy, joyful environments for all children and families.

Thank you for standing with us. Because of people like you, tomorrow can be brighter.

#BooksNotChains

#ChildhoodNotLabour

#LetChildrenDream

#StopChildExploitation