ELIMINATE CHILD LABOUR: Message by the Hon. Colin E. Jordan, M.P. Minister of Labour, Social Security and Third Sector
for World Day Against Child Labour, 2025
On June 12, 2025, Barbados joins the worldwide community and the International Labour Organisation (ILO) in observing World Day Against Child Labour, reaffirming our commitment to eliminating child labour and protecting the wellbeing of every child.
Progress is clear: the ILO estimates that globally, there are 86 million fewer children involved in child labour. As a government, we are committed to protecting the well-being of children and families. To achieve this, we enacted Child Protection legislation, expanded the Special Needs Grant to include minors with disabilities, increased the National Minimum Wage, introduced paternity leave and extended maternity leave. These initiatives are designed to provide greater financial security, support working parents and create a more inclusive and equitable society.
The National Child Labour Committee commenced initiatives with its Youth Forum to actively engage young people, empowering them as advocates to “Power Up’ their voices for decent work and against child labour.
Yet there is more to be done. Inspite of this substantial progress, urgent action is required by countries around the world to remove the more than 160 million children still involved in child labour. We remain steadfast in our commitment to eradicating child labour in all forms, ensuring that every child is protected from hazardous and exploitative work.
Let us renew our efforts! I urge our partners, in the private, public and third sectors to join us in intensifying efforts to promote decent work for adults, strengthening legal frameworks and investing in education and social protection. While we have made significant progress, it is clear, there is still more to be done. Let us accelerate our efforts and together drive meaningful change that helps to build a just society.
Now is the time to act with urgency and commitment! Together, we can build a future where children thrive, free from harm and full of opportunity.
