Today, millions of children around the world struggle to survive under harsh conditions such as poverty, war, displacement, child labour, lack of education, exploitation, and discrimination. Global crises, systemic inequalities, and climate disasters continue to impact children the most.

Refugee children, in particular, constitute the most vulnerable and unprotected group of all. Millions of children who have lost their families, education, health, and even their childhood due to conflict, forced migration, and insecurity represent the greatest moral test of the international community. Every refugee child is a human being most in need of protection; they belong not to any single country, but to all of humanity.

As the International Labour Confederation (ILC), we emphasize that children not only need protection, but also empowerment, support, and equal access to opportunities.

The protection of children’s rights is an essential part of social justice and sustainable development. The struggle for labour rights extends beyond working life; it also encompasses defending every child’s right to a dignified future. 

In this regard, the ILC:

• Firmly upholds a zero-tolerance policy against child labour.

• Calls for strengthened global solidarity to ensure the safety, shelter, health, and psychosocial support of all children—especially refugee and displaced children.

• Reaffirms that access to free, quality education for every child is a fundamental human right.

• Urges the international community to take stronger, more consistent, and immediate action to protect children living in conflict zones and crisis areas.

• Believes that eliminating inequalities is a prerequisite for improving children’s well-being. 

Today, we deliver a clear and powerful message to the world:

Children’s rights cannot be postponed, negotiated, or ignored. 

A world where all children are safe, protected, healthy, educated, and full of hope is possible, and when that world is built through the eyes of children, it will be more just.

As the ILC, we will continue to defend the future of every child, wherever they may be, to strengthen solidarity, and to fight for a more just world.

The well-being of children today is our responsibility; their future is the hope of humanity.  

Today, as the ILC, we commemorate with deep respect all children whose lives have been taken by war, conflict, and poverty, especially the children of Gaza.

And we apologize, on behalf of humanity, to all the children whose innocence could not be destroyed by bombs, yet who were tested by hunger, poverty, and despair; those we could not protect and could not keep alive in the 21st century.