Speaking ahead of the World Day Against Child Labour on June 12, Phongsaysak Inthalath, Deputy Minister of Labour and Social Welfare, said child labour remains a global challenge despite international efforts to eradicate it.
According to the International Labour Organization (ILO), an estimated 137.6 million children worldwide were engaged in child labour in 2024, including 54 million performing hazardous work. In the Asia-Pacific region, 27.7 million children were involved in child labour, of whom 18.1 million were in hazardous occupations.
In Laos, the latest survey conducted in 2022 identified 172,422 child labourers among 1.72 million children aged 5 to 17, highlighting the need for continued action.
Under Lao law, the minimum age for employment is 14, with strict limits on working hours and a prohibition on hazardous work that could endanger children's health, safety, education, or development.
Phongsaysak said the government has strengthened legal protections through the Labour Law and national action programmes while implementing international commitments under the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child and ILO Conventions No. 138 and No. 182.
He stressed that helping with household chores or family businesses in ways that do not interfere with education or well-being is not considered child labour.
The deputy minister called for stronger cooperation among government agencies, businesses, communities, families, and development partners to eliminate the worst forms of child labour and ensure every child has the opportunity to learn, develop, and reach their full potential.