UNATU Raises the Red Card Against Child Labour

Every year on 12th June, the world commemorates the World Day Against Child Labour, a day dedicated to raising awareness and strengthening action towards ending child labour in all its forms. This year’s theme, “Red Card to Child Labour: Fair play for children, decent work for adults,” is a reminder that every child deserves protection, education, dignity and the opportunity to grow in a safe environment.

The “Red Card” campaign uses the language of sport to send a clear message: child labour has no place in our homes, schools, communities or workplaces. Just as a red card removes unfair play from the field, society must reject practices that push children out of school and into work that denies them their rights, affects their health, exposes them to exploitation or robs them of their childhood.

Globally, child labour remains a serious concern. According to the International Labour Organization (ILO), an estimated 138 million children worldwide are engaged in child labour, of whom about 54 million are involved in hazardous work that is likely to harm their health, safety or moral development. While the latest estimates show a decline from 160 million children in child labour in 2020, progress remains too slow to meet global targets. In addition, recent global crises—including the COVID-19 pandemic, conflicts, climate shocks and rising poverty—have increased the risk of more children being pushed into labour, particularly in vulnerable communities. Behind every statistic is a child whose education has been interrupted, whose dreams have been delayed, and whose potential is at risk.

In Uganda, child labour continues to affect many children, especially in vulnerable communities where poverty, limited household income, school dropout, cultural practices and inadequate access to quality education place children at risk. According to the Uganda Bureau of Statistics National Labour Force Survey 2021, about 6.2 million children aged 5–17 years were engaged in child labour, excluding household chores, representing approximately 40% of children in that age group. Many of these children are involved in agriculture, domestic work, informal trade, mining, fishing, street vending and other forms of work that interfere with their learning, development and wellbeing.

For teachers, the effects of child labour are often seen first in the classroom. A child who is frequently absent, tired, withdrawn, unable to concentrate or eventually drops out of school may be carrying a burden beyond their age. This makes teachers central in identifying warning signs, supporting learners, engaging parents and communities, and advocating for safe, inclusive and child-friendly schools.

The Uganda National Teachers’ Union has continued to play a role in the fight against child labour through advocacy, community engagement, school-based interventions and partnerships aimed at keeping children in school. UNATU believes that ending child labour requires strong public education systems, empowered teachers, responsible communities and coordinated action from government, parents, local leaders, civil society and development partners.

Through projects such as the Work: No Child’s Business project in the Karamoja Region and the Stop Child Labour project in West Nile, UNATU worked with partners to address child labour by strengthening the role of teachers, parent-teacher associations and school management committees. The projects focused on sensitizing communities about child labour, promoting child-friendly school environments and supporting efforts to keep children in school and enable them to enjoy their right to quality education. In Karamoja, particularly in Moroto and Nakapiripirit districts, the initiative helped build awareness among educators and communities about the dangers of child labour and the importance of protecting children’s right to learn. Similar efforts were undertaken in West Nile, including in Erussi, Abanga and Paidha, where teachers and community structures played a key role in advocating for children’s education and wellbeing.

UNATU has also supported child labour interventions through community sensitization, school child rights clubs, child labour ambassadors and social dialogue projects. Through projects such as Kyesiiga in Masaka, Kagulu in Buyende, Entebbe Municipality, and the recently launched Nyakitunda project in Isingiro District, UNATU has created platforms for parents, teachers, learners, local leaders and community members to discuss the causes and effects of child labour, promote children’s rights, strengthen school-community partnerships and identify practical solutions for keeping children in school. These initiatives have helped raise awareness on child labour and encouraged collective action to protect vulnerable children and support their education.

The Union’s work in child labour prevention is closely linked to its wider advocacy for increased investment in public education. Through the global campaign “Go Public, Fund Education,” UNATU continues to call for greater public financing of education, stronger public education systems and improved support for teachers and learners. When schools are well-resourced, teachers are supported, classrooms are safe, and education is accessible, children are more likely to stay in school and less likely to be pushed into labour. Ending child labour therefore requires not only enforcement of laws, but also stronger education systems and decent livelihoods for families.

On this World Day Against Child Labour, UNATU calls upon all stakeholders to take responsibility. Government must strengthen enforcement of child protection laws and increase investment in public education. Parents and guardians must prioritize children’s education and protection. Communities must reject practices that normalize child labour. Teachers must continue to identify, guide and support vulnerable learners. Development partners and civil society must continue working together to address the root causes of child labour.

Every child belongs in school, not in exploitative work. Every child deserves to learn, play, grow and dream. Every child deserves a fair chance.