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[POLITICS] · Mexico · 21 sources

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Mexico child labor affects 3.5 million minors in 2025

According to the 2025 National Survey of Child Labor (ENTI) by INEGI, 3.5 million children and adolescents aged 5 to 17 in Mexico are engaged in child labor, representing 12.6% of that age group. This is a slight decrease from the 13.1% recorded in 2022.

The survey distinguishes between 1.6 million minors performing occupations not permitted by law and 1.7 million engaged in unsuitable domestic chores. Of those in prohibited occupations, approximately 1 million are performing dangerous work. Key sectors include agriculture and livestock (27.7%), services (27.3%), and commerce (24.5%).

Demographic disparities are significant. The child labor rate reaches 24.9% among Indigenous populations, compared to 15.6% among Afro-descendant populations and 10.9% among children with disabilities. Geographically, Guerrero maintains the highest rate at 22.6%, followed by Oaxaca (20.9%) and Chiapas (20.3%).

Economic factors such as food inflation and loss of household income are cited as primary drivers. In Quintana Roo, the child labor rate rose to 10.1%, while Tamaulipas reported one of the lowest rates at 8.6%.

Entities

Chiapas · Guerrero · INEGI · Mexico · Oaxaca

Claims

What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.

Sources

Desde las Alturas - Diario Evolución [www.diarioevolucion.com.mx]