Regional Initiative Marks 10 Years in Fight Against Child Labour, Strengthens South-South Cooperation

To mark the 10th anniversary of the Regional Initiative, over 31 countries, alongside employers' and workers' organizations, gathered in Brasília, Brazil, from October 15 to 18, 2024.

In alignment with Sustainable Development Goal 8 of the 2030 Agenda, emerging global partnerships have teamed up with the Regional Initiative (RI) for a Latin America and Caribbean Free of Child Labour to bolster efforts in eradicating child labour across the region. By offering resources, promoting knowledge-sharing, and fostering innovative solutions, these partnerships aim to address the pressing issue of child labour, particularly in Caribbean Small Island Developing States (SIDS) and across Latin America.

The initiative, launched in 2014, serves as an example of how South-South and Triangular Cooperation (SSTC) can be a powerful tool for tackling shared regional challenges. This cooperative approach has benefited from involvement by global entities such as the G20, United Nations (UN), BRICS, and the United Nations Office for South-South Cooperation (UNOSSC), among others. These partnerships enable countries to share lessons learned and best practices, strengthening regional efforts to eradicate child labour.

10th Anniversary Conference in Brazil

To mark the 10th anniversary of the Regional Initiative, over 31 countries, alongside employers' and workers' organizations, gathered in Brasília, Brazil, from October 15 to 18, 2024. Organized by the RI and the International Labour Organization (ILO), the event received support from the Brazilian Cooperation Agency (ABC), the United States Department of Labor, and other international development organizations.

Key participants in the event included Ana Virgínia Moreira Gomes, the ILO's Regional Director for Latin America and the Caribbean, and Philippe Vanhuynegem, head of the Section on Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work. ILO experts contributed to several panels, including one focused on how South-South and Triangular Cooperation can foster a region free of child labour.

Collaboration and Achievements

Participants discussed the successes and lessons learned from the RI since its creation. Over 100 initiatives have been implemented across the region in the past five years, highlighting the strength of multi-country collaboration. A key topic of discussion was the potential for fundraising and the creation of direct trust funds to boost resources for future efforts.

Expanding Global South Cooperation

A significant takeaway from the discussions was the potential for new engagement opportunities through SSTC frameworks. By pooling resources, countries in Latin America and the Caribbean can implement solutions that reflect their specific challenges, thus intensifying their efforts to eliminate child labour.

The event reinforced that collaboration through SSTC mechanisms not only strengthens regional initiatives but also contributes to the global mission of eradicating child labour by 2025.