Post by GEM Report UNESCO

Today, on World Day Against Child Labour, we are reminded that child labour remains a barrier to education and poverty is often at its root. In Mozambique, children affected by poverty are far more likely to work instead of learn. Child labour affects more than 10% of children aged 5–10, rises to 30% among 11–13-year-olds, and reaches 50% among adolescents aged 14–17. For many, work comes at the cost of education, with dropout rates more than doubling for children engaged in paid work. Evidence shows that education policies can make a difference when they are backed by the right support. Free and compulsory education, financial assistance for families, adequate teachers and learning materials, stronger links between schooling and labour laws, and early intervention to address absenteeism all help keep children in school and out of work. In Türkiye, extending compulsory schooling reduced child labour among 7–11-year-olds by 81%. Similar reforms around the world demonstrate that when governments invest in education and social protection together, children gain the opportunity to learn, thrive and build a better future. Read more in the #2026GEMReport: Bit.ly/gemreport2026 #EndChildLabour #EducationForAll #RightToEducation #WorldDayAgainstChildLabour #SDG4