The ILO, together with Lebanon’s Ministry of Agriculture’s General Directorate of Cooperatives, concluded a two-day training focused on strengthening the role of cooperatives in eliminating child labour in the agricultural sector. Held from 20–21 November 2025, the training brought together cooperative leaders, union representatives, business associations and government officials to help them better identify, prevent and respond to child labour within their organisations and communities.
Global estimates from 2024 show that 138 million children are trapped in child labour, with agriculture accounting for 61 per cent of all cases. Lebanon reflects this global trend. The country’s prolonged socio-economic crisis, combined with the continued displacement of Syrian refugees, has increased the vulnerability of children, pushing many into hazardous agricultural work. This situation has highlighted the urgent need for stronger community structures capable of addressing both the causes and consequences of child labour.
Agricultural cooperatives are well placed to influence change by supporting their members, promoting sustainable production practices and strengthening community resilience. The training aimed to give participants the tools and knowledge needed to return to their cooperatives, replicate the lessons learned and integrate safer governance practices. A major focus was on embedding child-labour-free mechanisms into cooperative structures to ensure long-term prevention.
Throughout the workshop, participants examined relevant international and national legal frameworks, including key ILO conventions. Through practical exercises and case simulations, they learned how to identify child labour situations, understand referral mechanisms and design concrete actions to eliminate child labour. Facilitators noted strong interest from participants, many of whom recognised the lasting harm associated with child labour in agriculture.
The program emphasized the importance of cooperative governance and collective responsibility. Participants learned how stronger governance systems can help prevent child labour, improve working conditions, and protect vulnerable families. The training also introduced strategies for prevention, safe withdrawal and reintegration, along with the need to link cooperatives to child protection services to ensure comprehensive support.
The event concluded with each cooperative developing an action plan to eliminate child labour and enhance community-based monitoring. Participants and institutional stakeholders reaffirmed their commitment to continued collaboration to protect children and promote decent work across rural Lebanon. This initiative is part of the BOUZOUR Project, supported by Sida, and aligns with broader efforts under the PROSPECTS Programme to strengthen livelihoods, responsible business conduct and human rights due diligence in Lebanon’s agricultural sector.
