How Covid-19 set back the battle against child labour

After two decades of progress, 2021 saw increase in number of children working globally

Child holds out blistered and red hands
(Image credit: Majid Saeedi/Getty Images)

The UN International Labour Organization (ILO) declared 2021 to be the year for the elimination of child labour. But a report published in June last year found that the number of children in work around the world may have risen for the first time in 20 years.

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Julia O'Driscoll is the engagement editor. She covers UK and world news, as well as writing lifestyle and travel features. She regularly appears on “The Week Unwrapped” podcast, and hosted The Week's short-form documentary podcast, “The Overview”. Julia was previously the content and social media editor at sustainability consultancy Eco-Age, where she interviewed prominent voices in sustainable fashion and climate movements. She has a master's in liberal arts from Bristol University, and spent a year studying at Charles University in Prague.