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Associated PressJUN 15
UN: Child Labor Affects 138M Globally
Above: Congolese children sell bananas and cakes at the Kengambala diamond mine in Lungudi in the Democratic Republic of Congo, August 9, 2015. Image copyright: Lynsey Addario/Getty Images Reportage via Getty Images
The Spin
Narrative A
While there is still a long way to go, these numbers show real progress is happening — child labor has dropped by nearly 50% since 2000, proving that targeted efforts work. Countries like those in Asia-Pacific have cut their child labor rates dramatically, demonstrating that with proper investment in education and social protection, families can keep kids in school instead of work.
Narrative B
This so-called progress masks a deeper crisis — 138 million children are still trapped in exploitative work, many in dangerous conditions that threaten their health and future. The world's failure to meet the 2025 elimination target shows governments lack the political will to tackle the root causes of poverty that force families into these desperate choices.