ASEAN launches roadmap to prevent child labour and eliminate its worst forms by 2035
Summary
ASEAN, supported by the International Labour Organization (ILO), has unveiled a new 10-year regional roadmap (2026–2035) to prevent child labour and eliminate its worst forms by 2035. Building on roadmaps from 2016 and 2025, the framework is structured around three pillars — prohibition, prevention and protection — and offers practical guidance to governments, partners and businesses on strengthening law enforcement, expanding access to education and social protection, and promoting responsible corporate practices.
The roadmap targets persistent risks in agriculture and other vulnerable sectors, and addresses root drivers such as poverty, debt, economic instability and barriers to education. It also flags emerging risks tied to migration, climate change and the digital economy, including online exploitation.
Key Points
- New 10-year ASEAN Roadmap (2026–2035) aims to prevent child labour and eliminate its worst forms by 2035.
- Framework builds on previous ASEAN roadmaps (2016 and 2025) and focuses on prohibition, prevention and protection.
- Prohibition measures include stronger law enforcement in hard-to-reach sectors, bans on child labour in supply chains and the digital economy, and improved governance at all levels.
- Prevention actions stress better data collection, expanded access to formal and non-formal education (including TVET), rural development, climate resilience and decent work for young people.
- Protection priorities cover social protection, social assistance and child- and gender-sensitive response systems to identify, withdraw and support children in labour.
- Roadmap recognises deeper drivers like poverty, debt and education barriers, plus emerging threats from migration, climate change and online exploitation.
- The ILO will continue to provide technical guidance, capacity-building and knowledge sharing to support implementation across ASEAN’s 11 member states.
Context and relevance
This is a major regional policy step: a coordinated ASEAN approach sets expectations for national governments, employers and supply chains across Southeast Asia. For HR leaders, procurement teams and policymakers, the roadmap signals increased scrutiny on child labour risks, stronger enforcement and a push for preventive measures such as education access and social protection.
The document aligns with global trends toward corporate responsibility in supply chains and the need to manage climate- and migration-related risks that can push children into work. It should be factored into compliance, supplier due diligence and CSR strategies across the region.
Author style
Punchy: this roadmap isn’t just another policy paper — it’s a clear, actionable plan backed by ASEAN unity and ILO support. If your organisation touches ASEAN supply chains, education or social programmes, this matters and merits change in how you assess risk and design interventions.
Why should I read this?
Look, it’s simple — if you work in HR, procurement, compliance or policy in Southeast Asia, this roadmap will affect you. It forces governments and businesses to step up law enforcement, schooling and social safety nets. Read it to know what regulators and partners will expect, and so you can get ahead of supply-chain and people risks before they land on your desk.
