AACC Message on The World Day Against Child Labour 2026
Red Card to Child Labour: Fair Play for Children, Decent Work for Adults.
On this World Day Against Child Labour, the All Africa Conference of Churches (AACC) joins the global community in raising a red card against child labour and reaffirming our commitment to protecting the dignity, rights, and future of every child in Africa and beyond.
This year's theme, “Red Card to Child Labour: Fair Play for Children, Decent Work for Adults,” is both a call to action and a reminder that every child deserves the opportunity to learn, grow, play, and thrive in a safe and nurturing environment, free from exploitation and harmful labour practices. Despite significant efforts made over the years, millions of children around the world continue to be trapped in child labour, with many engaged in hazardous work that threatens their health, education, development, and future prospects. Poverty, inequality, lack of access to quality education, conflict, displacement, and weak social protection systems continue to drive children into labour instead of classrooms.
As churches and faith communities, we are called to uphold the God-given dignity of every child and to advocate for justice where children are deprived of their rights. Child labour is not merely an economic issue; it is a moral and social injustice that undermines the wellbeing of children, families, and communities.
The AACC welcomes the commitments reaffirmed at the Sixth Global Conference on the Elimination of Child Labour in Marrakech and supports the implementation of the Marrakech Global Framework for Action, which calls for integrated responses to address the root causes of child labour through quality education, universal social protection, decent work for adults, stronger legal frameworks, effective enforcement mechanisms, and responsible business practices.
We therefore call upon:
• Governments to strengthen policies and investments that ensure access to quality education and child protection services for all children;
• Employers and businesses to uphold ethical labour standards and eliminate child labour from their supply chains;
• Faith leaders and churches to continue advocating for children's rights and creating safe spaces where children can flourish;
• Communities and families to prioritize education and protect children from exploitation;
• Development partners and civil society organizations to work collaboratively toward sustainable solutions that address poverty and vulnerability.
Across Africa, the AACC remains committed to promoting child protection, combating human trafficking and modern slavery, supporting vulnerable families, and advancing policies that place the wellbeing of children at the centre of development efforts.
Today, we raise a red card against child labour. We stand for fair play for children, decent work for adults, and a future where every child enjoys their God-given right to safety, education, dignity, and hope.
Together, let us transform our commitments into action and build an Africa where no child is forced to work when they should be learning, growing, and dreaming.
Rev. Dr. Fidon Mwombeki
General Secretary
All Africa Conference of Churches (AACC)
