Child labour persists in Italy, officials call for stronger school protection

President Sergio Mattarella warned that child labour remains a grave violation of children’s rights, noting that despite a decline the 2030 Agenda target of eliminating the practice by 2025 has not been met. He said the number of minors involved in child labour worldwide fell from 246 million to 138 million, yet more than 54 million children still work in dangerous conditions. In Italy, recent research shows that about 6.8 % of children aged 7‑15 (roughly 58 000 adolescents) have performed work, with the proportion rising to around 20 % among 14‑15‑year‑olds. One in four of those engaged in work performed hazardous tasks, often in the restaurant sector (25.9 %) or retail (16.2 %).

Giorgia D’Errico of Save the Children highlighted that child labour hampers education and health, increasing the risk of future low‑paid jobs and long‑term exclusion from the labour market. She called for comprehensive measures: up‑to‑date data, poverty‑reduction programmes, stronger school retention policies and coordinated protection services. Both officials stressed that schools are the most effective tool for preventing and counter‑acting child labour, provided they are supported by robust social‑protection systems and family assistance.

The combined statements urge the Italian government to accelerate legislative and policy actions to safeguard children’s right to education and a safe childhood.