The International Labour Organization (ILO), Mexico’s government, employers, and workers’ organizations have joined forces through a football tournament to promote action against child labour and highlight the importance of protecting children’s rights.
The “Red Card to Child Labour” Tripartite Friendly Football Tournament was held in Mexico City at Grupo Modelo’s football facility, bringing together four teams representing the ILO, government institutions, employers’ organizations, and workers’ groups. The event used sport as a platform to strengthen social dialogue and encourage collective action to eliminate child labour.
The tournament included friendly matches, an opening ceremony, and an awards presentation, creating an environment focused on cooperation, respect, and fair play. Beyond the competition, participants delivered a shared message that children should have access to education, protection, and opportunities rather than being exposed to work that affects their development.
The initiative is part of the ILO’s global “Red Card to Child Labour” campaign, which encourages governments, businesses, workers’ organizations, athletes, and communities to take action against child labour and support prevention efforts.
According to estimates from the ILO and UNICEF, around 138 million children worldwide are engaged in child labour, including 54 million involved in hazardous work. In Mexico, the 2022 National Child Labour Survey estimated that approximately 3.7 million children and adolescents between the ages of 5 and 17 are involved in child labour.
The ILO emphasized that cooperation between governments, employers, and workers is essential to addressing child labour. Through initiatives that combine awareness, social dialogue, and collective responsibility, stakeholders can help create a future where every child has the opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive.
