Archive · 12 Jun 2025
India Faces Hurdles in Eliminating Child Labor by 2025
India is struggling to meet the goal of ending child labor by 2025.
Millions of kids are still working, some because they have to help their families.
This is against the law in India.
Many companies have been found to be using child labor to make their products.
It's important for everyone, including the government and communities, to help kids go to school and support families so children don't have to work.
Worldwide, the number of children in child labor is very high, particularly in Africa and Asia.
India is unlikely to meet the 2025 goal of eradicating child labor.
Millions of children in India are engaged in economic activities despite legal protections.
Demand-side issues, such as low wages, contribute to child labor.
Various brands and companies have been exposed for unethical child labor practices in their supply chains.
Government and civil society efforts are needed to leverage education and livelihood programs.
- Who
- Millions of children in India, brands like Adidas and H&M, and organizations like Smile Foundation.
- What
- India is unlikely to meet the UN's goal of eradicating child labor by 2025.
- When
- As the world marks World Day Against Child Labour on June 12.
- Where
- India, with a majority of instances in the Asia-Pacific region.
- Why
- Due to demand-side issues such as low pay, families needing support, and lack of leveraged educational programs.
Advocates for Children
Stakeholders
Priorities for Action
Advocates for Children
Child labor should be eradicated through legal framework and support programs.
Stakeholders
Focus on eliminating child labor by getting children into classrooms.
- Children in Child Labor (India - 2011)
- 11.8 million
- Children in Economic Activity (India - 2018/19)
- 5 million
- Child Labor cases (NCRB 2022)
- 751
- Child Labor highest region
- Africa
