Technical Note: COVID-19 and child labour

At the time of writing, an estimated 152 million children are in child labour. Almost half are working in hazardous environments. Experience shows that crises with a high economic impact not only worsen risk factors of child labour but that they also are likely to increase its prevalence. Hence, the COVID-19 pandemic is likely to have an impact on child labour issues across the world. 

This technical note provides guidance and information to practitioners and policy-makers on child labour issues during and after COVID-19. It also includes recommendations on what actions can be taken to protect children who are at risk of or already engaged in child labour.