#Japan #Tokyo #SDGs #ACE #Child Labor

Addressing Child Labor on a Global Scale

On June 12, a crucial assembly aimed at tackling the global child labor crisis will take place at the House of Representatives in Japan. Organized by the Child Labor Network (CL-Net), which is supported by various organizations including UNICEF, the International Labour Organization (ILO), and several NGOs, this event marks the observation of World Day Against Child Labor. This year's assembly is significant as it coincides with the release of new estimates by the ILO on child labor statistics, the first in four years.

The Current State of Child Labor

According to the 2020 estimates, approximately 160 million children worldwide were engaged in child labor, which is a staggering one in ten children. The UN's Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 8.7, claims the objective of eliminating child labor by 2025; however, ILO's prediction suggests that this target will not be achieved. This grim outlook intensifies the urgency of collective action.

In preparation for the assembly, prominent stakeholders from various sectors will gather to discuss actionable measures against child labor. Participants will include parliament members, representatives from the ILO's office in Japan, JICA, various corporate entities, and NGOs dedicated to eradicating child labor. The gathering aims to foster dialogue on how citizens can contribute to ending this injustice.

Objectives of the Assembly

The assembly, titled "When Will We Achieve Zero Child Labor?", will provide a platform for discussing the ongoing challenges posed by child labor and will lay out concrete actions for various stakeholders to implement.

Event Details

Date: June 12, 2025
Time: 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM (Doors open at 11:45 AM)
Location: International Conference Room, House of Representatives, Nagatacho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo
Hosts: Child Labor Network
Supported by: Parliament members' League for Promoting ILO Activities, UNICEF Parliamentary League
Cooperating Organizations: ILO Office in Japan, Education Cooperation NGO Network (JNNE)
For more details, visit ACE Japan

How to Participate

To attend the assembly, please register in advance via the application form available here. This year's gathering welcomes not only press representatives but also members of the general public, aiming to encourage broader community engagement in child labor issues.

Program Overview

1. Opening Session (12:00 PM - 12:25 PM)
- Opening remarks by CL-Net representatives and parliament members
- Greetings from special guests, including the Ghanaian ambassador and various ministers
- Photo session

2. Panel Discussions (12:25 PM - 1:10 PM)
- Presentation from ILO on global child labor's current status and challenges
- Panel discussion addressing how civil society, businesses, and governments can collaboratively combat child labor in Africa
- Expert commentary and Q&A session with parliament members

3. Closing Session (1:10 PM - 2:00 PM)
- Relay talks featuring representatives from diverse institutions, NGOs, and the private sector
- Open floor discussion for attendees
- Closing remarks

The Role of Actions: Stop Child Labor Campaign

In line with these initiatives, the Child Labor Network is currently hosting the “Stop Child Labor Campaign,” which operates through a "Red Card Action". Participants post photos holding red cards on social media, with each post leading to a donation that aids NGOs working on child labor elimination. More information can be found on the campaign’s dedicated website here.

Who We Are

Child Labor Network (CL-Net) is a coalition of NGOs and labor unions in Japan focused on raising awareness of child labor issues and contributing to their resolution.
More about us can be found here.

ACE (Action Against Child Exploitation) is an NGO dedicated to protecting children's rights and working to eliminate child labor. ACE not only raises awareness in Japan but also advocates for the protection of children in cocoa-producing regions of Ghana. More information about ACE is available here.

For inquiries regarding this assembly, please contact:
ACE Press Office
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 03-3835-7555 (Office Hours: Weekdays 10 AM - 5 PM)