When is World Day Against Child Labour?
World Day Against Child Labour 2027 is on Saturday
Saturday, June 12, 2027
June 12 every year. That's in 238 days.
until World Day Against Child Labour begins, in your time zone
World Day Against Child Labour draws attention to the millions of children doing work that harms their health, schooling or development, and to what governments, employers and the public can do to end it. The International Labour Organization launched it in 2002.
About World Day Against Child Labour
Not every job a child does counts as child labour. Age-appropriate chores or a few hours of safe work that don't interfere with school are generally not the target. The concern is work that keeps children out of school, exposes them to danger or is forced on them, from long hours in fields, mines and workshops to trafficking and recruitment into armed groups. The day brings together governments, employers' and workers' organizations, civil society and the public to look at the scale of the problem and the policies that reduce it.
The International Labour Organization, the UN agency for the world of work, launched the day in 2002 and marks it every June 12. It builds on two ILO treaties: the Minimum Age Convention, No. 138, which links the minimum working age to the end of compulsory schooling, and the Worst Forms of Child Labour Convention, No. 182, adopted in 1999. In 2015, world leaders included ending child labour in the Sustainable Development Goals; target 8.7 set 2025 as the deadline to end it in all its forms, a goal the world did not meet.
The UN's 2026 observance page puts the current figure at 138 million children in child labour, nearly 54 million of them in hazardous work. The ILO's theme for 2026 is "Red card to child labour: Fair play for children, decent work for adults," which calls for quality education, social protection, decent jobs and incomes for parents, stronger laws and responsible supply chains.
Sources: United Nations: World Day Against Child Labour, United Nations: World Day Against Child Labour background, International Labour Organization. How we check dates.
How to mark World Day Against Child Labour
- Read a short explainer from the ILO or UNICEF on what counts as child labour and where it is most common.
- Before buying products such as chocolate, coffee, cotton clothing or electronics, look at what the brand publishes about supply chain checks.
- Ask a school or library to host a discussion or display on children's rights and the right to education.
- Support organizations that help keep children in school, for example through school meals or scholarships.
- If you work in purchasing or compliance, review how your organization checks suppliers for child labour.
World Day Against Child Labour dates
| Year | Date |
|---|---|
| 2025 | Thursday, June 12, 2025 |
| 2026 | Friday, June 12, 2026 |
| 2027 | Saturday, June 12, 2027 |
| 2028 | Monday, June 12, 2028 |
| 2029 | Tuesday, June 12, 2029 |
| 2030 | Wednesday, June 12, 2030 |
| 2031 | Thursday, June 12, 2031 |
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Frequently asked questions
When is World Day Against Child Labour 2027?
World Day Against Child Labour 2027 is on Saturday, June 12, 2027. It falls on June 12 every year. In 2028, it is on Monday, June 12, 2028.
Who started World Day Against Child Labour?
The International Labour Organization launched it in 2002. It is listed among the UN's international days.
How many children are in child labour?
The UN's 2026 World Day page says 138 million children are in child labour worldwide, including nearly 54 million in hazardous work.
Is World Day Against Child Labour a public holiday?
No. World Day Against Child Labour is an observance, not a public holiday, so schools, banks, government offices and most businesses keep their normal hours.