Marking Progress Against Child Labour: Global estimates and trends 2000-2012

In 2006, the International Labour Organization set the target of eliminating the worst forms of child labour by 2016. This report focuses on presenting the fourth round of child labour estimates for 2012 as well as identifying trends from 2000 to 2012.

These newest estimates and trends reveal real advances have been made in the fight against child labour. Governments, workers, employers, and civil societies are making measurable progress. The report, however, reminds the reader that progress is still too slow if the world is to achieve the 2016 goal of eliminating the worst forms of child labour. It is estimated that 168 million children worldwide are in child labour. Children in hazardous work number around 85 million.

The report presents a dynamic global picture of the trends from 2000 to 2012. It concludes with recommendations for the future.