Ouagadougou: The Goulmou region belatedly commemorated World Day Against Child Labour on Tuesday, July 21, 2026, in Fada N'Gourma, with a public conference chaired by the region's Secretary General, Siaka Ouattara. The event aimed to strengthen stakeholders' knowledge of the legal framework for combating child labour, to encourage collective action against this phenomenon, and to provide support to vulnerable students.

According to Burkina Information Agency, the conference was organized by the labour services and brought together administrative authorities, technical services, partners, and several actors in child protection. The Secretary General of the Goulmou region, Siaka Ouattara, highlighted the scale of the child labour phenomenon and urged all stakeholders to become more involved in ensuring respect for children's rights.

The representative of the directorate for the fight against child labour, Issouf Ou©draogo, mentioned that the World Day Against Child Labour has been celebrated every June 12 since 2002, initiated by the international community. He noted that the communications at the event focused on the conceptual and legal framework of child labor, hazardous work, light work, and the worst forms of child labor.

Ou©draogo explained that conventions 138 and 182 of the International Labour Organization (ILO) are the main international instruments for combating this issue. He specified that Burkina Faso has set the minimum age for admission to employment at 16 years old, in accordance with its national legislation. The communicator also presented the main national texts governing the matter, including the recently adopted Labour Code, provisions prohibiting children's presence on gold mining sites, and the decree establishing the list of dangerous work prohibited for children.

The representative of the department for combating child labor noted that certain light work remains authorized under well-defined conditions, particularly in the agricultural sector, provided it does not compromise the health, safety, or schooling of children. As part of the event, 24 students, most of whom are enrolled in vocational training establishments, received school kits. The organizers stated that this action aims to support children remaining in the education system and prevent their exposure to early work.

For the organizers, the goal of this conference was to draw attention to the reality of child labor and remind stakeholders that the fight against this scourge is not solely the responsibility of the State. They called on every citizen to play their role within the family and the community to contribute to the progressive elimination of child labour in Burkina Faso.