MARRAKESH – At the Sixth Global Conference on the Elimination of Child Labour, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) issued an urgent appeal for governments to address the critical intersection of child labor, migration, and human trafficking in their protection strategies. The conference, co-hosted by Morocco and the International Labour Organization from February 11-13, brought together government representatives, UN agencies, private sector leaders, and civil society organizations to accelerate global efforts against child exploitation.
Recent IOM data reveals a disturbing reality: approximately 25% of all detected trafficking victims worldwide are children, totaling nearly 30,000 identified cases. However, experts caution that these figures represent merely the visible tip of the iceberg due to widespread underreporting and detection challenges. The actual number of children affected by trafficking is believed to be substantially higher.
IOM Director General Amy Pope emphasized in a video address that ‘millions of children on the move face heightened risks of exploitation and trafficking, yet they remain too often invisible in global policies and protection systems.’ She called for immediate cross-border and cross-sectoral action to address these alarming protection gaps.
Throughout the conference, IOM highlighted the essential role of robust data collection and research in identifying risks, shaping preventive measures, and implementing targeted interventions. A collaborative analysis between IOM and Harvard University, examining two decades of child trafficking data, demonstrated the complex interconnections between child labor, migration patterns, and trafficking networks. These findings advocate for greater integration of child protection frameworks with migration management and anti-trafficking mechanisms.
In the ‘Alliance 8.7: 10 Years of Partnership and Action’ session, IOM underscored the necessity of coordinated, rights-based approaches. As chair of the Migration Action Group, the organization stressed that effective partnerships are crucial for bridging existing response gaps and assisting nations in developing comprehensive, integrated strategies.
IOM showcased progress through its collaboration with Save the Children and UNICEF via the Global Programme on Protection for Migrant Children. This initiative, particularly active in East Africa, the Horn of Africa, and North Africa, is enhancing cross-border case management and referral systems to reduce risks faced by children during migration.
The organization also introduced WakaWell, an innovative youth-led platform designed to empower young Africans with information for making safe and informed migration decisions. IOM’s participation was facilitated through the COMPASS program, a multi-regional effort focused on strengthening migration governance while protecting migrants’ rights.
Looking ahead, IOM reaffirmed its commitment to working with governments, UN entities, civil society, and youth networks to ensure that children on the move are included in all efforts to eliminate child labor. The organization called for sustained investment in partnerships that support protective policies and programs, along with the development of more comprehensive global indicators that accurately reflect migration and trafficking realities, especially in preparation for the upcoming International Migration Review Forum.