Millions of children worldwide are trapped in forced labor, human trafficking, and exploitation, robbing them of their childhood, education, and future opportunities. In Sub-Saharan Africa, the crisis is especially severe, with poverty and conflict forcing children into hazardous labor, early marriages, and exploitation.

• 1 in 5 children in Africa (72 million) are engaged in child labor, the highest rate globally (ILO, 2022)
• Over 4 million children in conflict zones are at risk of recruitment into armed groups (UNICEF, 2023)
• Child labor reduces school attendance by 30%, trapping families in generational poverty (World Bank, 2023)
• Girls are disproportionately affected, with many forced into early marriages and domestic servitude (UNICEF, 2023)