World Day Against Child Labour |Egypt Reaffirms Commitment to Combating Child Labour

Egypt has reaffirmed its commitment to combating child labour and protecting children's rights, highlighting ongoing efforts to address the issue through awareness campaigns, social protection programs and child welfare initiatives.

In a statement marking the World Day Against Child Labour, the Cabinet's Information and Decision Support Center (IDSC) reviewed the role of the National Council for Childhood and Motherhood (NCCM) in tackling child labour and supporting children at risk of exploitation.

Sahar El-Sonbaty, President of the NCCM, described child labour as both a human rights and development issue that affects the future of children and society as a whole.

"Every child has the right to enjoy a safe childhood, access education and grow in an environment that protects and nurtures their potential," El-Sonbaty said.

She stressed that child labour is not merely an economic or social challenge but a development issue with long-term consequences, warning that children who enter the workforce at an early age are more vulnerable to exploitation, violence, school dropout and poverty.

El-Sonbaty said Egypt remains committed to protecting children from all forms of economic exploitation through national legislation, social protection measures and programs aimed at ensuring access to education, healthcare and essential services.

She added that addressing child labour requires coordinated efforts from government institutions, civil society organizations, the private sector, media outlets and educational and religious institutions.

"Investing in children is the true investment in Egypt's future," she said.

Ashraf Saad, Director of the NCCM's Child Labour Program, highlighted efforts to combat child labour in areas where the phenomenon is widespread, including jasmine-growing villages in the Nile Delta governorate of Gharbia.

Working with the International Labour Organization (ILO), the ministries of labour and social solidarity and other national partners, the council organized 42 awareness seminars across 13 villages, reaching approximately 1,780 families.

According to Saad, the campaigns helped raise awareness of the risks of child labour and encouraged many families to refrain from sending their children to work.

He also noted that the council has developed an operational guide for combating child labour, aimed at improving case management through child protection committees and ensuring rapid access to health, education and social services for affected children.

Saad described child labour as a national security issue due to its social and economic consequences, noting that many international markets reject products linked to child labour, which could negatively affect economic activity.

He added that the NCCM is currently contributing to the development of Egypt's new National Strategy to Combat the Worst Forms of Child Labour and Support Families for the period 2026-2030.

Meanwhile, officials from Egypt's Child Helpline said reports involving child labour are handled immediately and referred to the relevant child protection authorities and partner organizations.

Children identified as needing psychological support are referred to specialized services that provide counseling, behavioral support and family guidance, while families are informed about the legal and social risks associated with child labour.

The statement emphasized that eliminating child labour remains a shared responsibility requiring cooperation among state institutions, civil society, the private sector and families to ensure children enjoy their fundamental rights to education, protection and a safe childhood.