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Global Campaign Against Child Labor: Never Give Up

In alignment with the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly goal 8.7, there is an urgent call for collective action to end child labor by 2025. However, recent estimates published in 2020 indicate a sobering reality—approximately 160 million children, or 1 in 10 globally, are engaged in child labor. As we approach June 12, the World Day Against Child Labor, the International Labour Organization (ILO) is expected to release new figures, predicting that we will fall short of achieving zero child labor by 2025.

To mark this critical moment, the NGO ACE (Action Against Child Exploitation) is spearheading a campaign under the banner 'Never Give Up. Child Labor Zero.' This initiative aims to raise awareness and mobilize support to eradicate child labor.

The Harsh Reality of Child Labor

Despite significant global efforts in the past two decades, the number of child laborers remains alarmingly high. While there has been a decline of nearly 100 million children involved in child labor, the target set by the SDGs appears to be out of reach. Each child's life impacted by child labor highlights a failure in global commitment; hence, we must assess our current status seriously.

However, ACE holds steadfast in its belief that achieving zero child labor is possible. Through 27 years of dedicated efforts, ACE has discovered effective methods to prevent the conditions that lead to child labor, illustrating that a world free from child labor is achievable with collective resolve.

On June 12, coinciding with the World Day Against Child Labor, ACE will launch the campaign aimed at educating the public and advocating against child labor practices.

Join the Movement

Child labor is deeply rooted in social structures, and individual actions play a pivotal role in transforming society. We invite everyone to participate in our campaign from May 28 to July 25, 2025, through the following three actions:

1. Spread the Word on Social Media

Use the hashtag #NeverGiveUpChildLaborZero to share your thoughts and actions against child labor on social media. By raising awareness, you can encourage participation and inform others about child labor's ongoing issues and the movement towards its eradication. Whether sharing your opinions or posting about products that contribute to ending child labor, your voice matters.

2. Support ACE’s Crowdfunding Campaign

ACE heavily relies on donations, with approximately 60% of funding coming from compassionate supporters. Your contributions will facilitate ACE's endeavors to create a world where all children can play, learn, and envision their futures freely without the burden of child labor. Our crowdfunding campaign runs until July 25, 2025, with a goal of raising 10 million yen.

Contributing financially or helping spread the word about child labor will immensely bolster our efforts and drive awareness.

3. Participate in the 'Stop! Child Labor Campaign'

Running from May 15 to June 30, this campaign invites action from the public, with this year's theme being “When will child labor zero become a reality?” For every action taken, 100 yen will be donated to network member organizations, including ACE. The target is 10,000 actions. Activities can include posting photos holding a red card against child labor on social media with the hashtags #StopChildLabor and #STOPCL.

Get Involved and Make a Difference

Every individual action counts in the fight against child labor. By mobilizing your networks and encouraging engagement, you can help bring about change. Whether through social media or hands-on participation in our campaigns, your efforts can lead to a world where child labor ceases to exist.

About ACE (Action Against Child Exploitation)

Founded in 1997 by a group of five students in Japan, ACE has been committed to promoting children's rights and advocating for the abolition and prevention of child labor. We work to protect children from hazardous labor in cocoa production areas in Ghana, educate the public about child labor in Japan, and engage with various stakeholders, including the Japanese government and chocolate industries. Recognizing these efforts, ACE was recently awarded the SDGs Promotion Director’s Award from the Japan SDGs Awards in March 2023.

For further inquiries, please contact:
Certified NPO ACE
Akasaka, Aoi
Email: press@acejapan.org
Phone: +81-3-3835-7555 (Office hours: 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM, weekdays)
Website: ACE Japan