31 governments, business and trade union organizations issue joint statement to eradicate child labour in Latin America and the Caribbean

BRASILIA (ILO News) – In a key milestone, 31 representatives of governments, business organizations and trade unions have reaffirmed their unwavering commitment to eradicate child labour in Latin America and the Caribbean. 

The joint statement of the Network of Focal Points was issued on October 18, 2024, in the framework of the Tenth Anniversary of the Regional Initiative Latin America and the Caribbean Free of Child Labour. The achievement signals the consensus reached through social dialogue and tripartite commitments across the region to prevent and eradicate child labour, as well as protect those participating in permitted adolescent labour.

The ten key commitments underscore the importance of social dialogue and the strengthening of public policies as fundamental components in the fight against the injustice of child labour. Their reaffirmation is highlighted in the statement: "With more than 8 million reasons to maintain our commitment, we join in this declaration, convinced that with a joint effort we can achieve a region free of child labour."

This effort not only highlights the essential role of strategic alliances between governments, business organizations and trade unions, but also places an importance on the creation of the Regional Child Labour Observatory, an essential tool for monitoring the child labour situation in the region. "This digital platform will provide up-to-date and relevant information to support the decision-making of all actors involved in the eradication of child labour," the statement said.

The joint statement reiterates the unity of the 31 countries, as well as employers' and workers' organizations, to ensure that no child is left behind in this vital struggle.

The Regional Initiative Latin America and the Caribbean Free of Child Labour is a space where 31 countries, together with employers' and workers' organizations, act in an articulated and tripartite manner to achieve the first generation of people free of child labour in the region. The Programme operates with technical support from the International Labour Organization. 

The Regional Initiative is currently made up of: Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Grenada, Guatemala, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, Jamaica, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Suriname, Trinidad and Tobago, Uruguay and Venezuela, together with the International Organization of Employers (IOE) and the Trade Union Confederation of the Americas (CSA).