Vietnam marks 25 years of ILO Convention commitment in labor law enforcement

THE HANOI TIMES — The International Labor Organization (ILO), UNICEF and the UN Country Team today (December 17) reaffirmed their commitment to supporting Vietnam in strengthening labor law enforcement, especially protecting children from illegal labor use.

As Vietnam prepares its National Program on Child Labor for 2026–2030, the 25th anniversary of ratifying ILO Convention No. 182 today (December 17) offers a timely opportunity to accelerate progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals' Target 8.7, which seeks to eliminate child labor in all its forms.

Since ratifying the convention in 2000, Vietnam has made steady, evidence-based progress in preventing and reducing child labor, including its worst forms.

Legal reforms, national action programs and cross-sector coordination have strengthened child protection systems, expanded access to education and improved monitoring of children’s participation in economic activities. This leadership has earned Vietnam recognition as a Pathfinder Country under Alliance 8.7.

A key driver of progress has been the National Program on the Prevention and Reduction of Child Labor for 2021–2025, which focuses on prevention, early detection and long-term solutions for vulnerable groups.

By linking child labor prevention with education, social protection and employment policies, the program applies a holistic, child-centered approach.

Clear results have emerged. The share of children engaged in economic activities fell to 3.5% in 2023 from 9.1% in 2018, according to national surveys supported by the ILO. Despite this progress, challenges persist, with more than 94,000 children still involved in hazardous work.

“Eliminating child labor is not only about protecting children’s rights, but also about investing in Vietnam’s future workforce and supporting inclusive economic growth,” said Sinwon Park, Country Director of the ILO Country Office for Vietnam.

Looking ahead, stakeholders stressed the need for continued vigilance as Vietnam integrates more deeply into global supply chains and faces emerging risks such as online exploitation. Children affected by poverty, migration, climate change and informal employment remain especially vulnerable.

Nguyen Thi Nga, Deputy Director of the Administration of Maternal and Children’s Affairs under the Ministry of Health, said effective child protection depends on collective action. She emphasized shared responsibility in strengthening social safety nets and enforcing the law to secure a healthy future for the next generation.

Ly Phat Viet Linh, an official from UNICEF, said prevention begins with education, accessible social services and timely support for vulnerable families so every child can learn, grow and thrive.