World News in Brief: Call for action against child labour, ICC Prosecutor suspended, WFP raises awareness in Egypt
Today, nearly 138 million children remain trapped in child labour globally, including 54 million engaged in hazardous work that threatens their health, safety and development.“This is unacceptable – we must accelerate action,” said Gilbert F. Houngbo, Director-General of the International Labour Organization, ILO, in a video message.He called for renewed global commitment through expanded access to decent work, education, social protection and stronger legal safeguards.
ILO Video | 138 million children in child labour.
Ensuring progressThis year’s theme, Red Card to Child Labour: Fair play for children, decent work for adults, highlights the need to ensure every child can learn, play and grow up in a safe environment.The recently adopted Marrakech Global Framework for Action against Child Labour aims to provide a roadmap to reach that goal, focusing on decent jobs for parents, universal access to quality education, stronger social protection systems and reinforced laws and institutions.For the first time, the framework also introduces measurable indicators and an accountability mechanism designed to track implementation and maintain momentum, beyond the 2030 target date.“Together, let us act with urgency and determination to end child labour,” Mr. Houngbo urged.ICC chief prosecutor suspended as investigations into sexual misconduct continueThe International Criminal Court’s Prosecutor Karim Khan has been suspended “with immediate effect” following an investigation into allegations of sexual misconduct made against him.In a statement on Tuesday, the ICC President’s office confirmed the decision of its executive committee to refer the disciplinary proceedings against the prosecutor to the court’s 125 Member States, pending a final decision.Mr. Khan has repeatedly denied the allegations, which first emerged in 2024 when multiple allegations relating to a female colleague at the Hague were reported, involving the prominent British lawyer.
