World Day Against Child Labour marked with 'Red Card for Child Labour' campaign

KATHMANDU: Global Compact Nepal (GCN) and GoodWeave Certification Nepal (GWCN) held a programme at the Early Childhood Development cum Education Centre (EPHC) in Kathmandu on June 12 to mark World Day Against Child Labour 2026. The event renewed commitments to ending child labour in Nepal’s carpet sector and beyond.

The gathering brought together representatives from carpet manufacturers, development organisations, educators and child rights advocates to highlight early childhood care and education as a key intervention to keep children in school and out of exploitative work. The GCN said the meeting underscored the role of safe learning spaces in protecting children and promoting long-term social inclusion.

At the event, Narayan Bhattarai, Project Coordinator at the ILO, introduced this year’s campaign message, 'Red Card for Child Labour,' and emphasised the partnership between the ILO and GoodWeave in promoting child protection through education, awareness and responsible business practices.

GCN Vice President Yogendra Chitrakar opened with brief remarks, noting GoodWeave’s work to eliminate child labour in the carpet industry and create safer, child-friendly communities. GoodWeave Certification Nepal’s Executive Director Samjhana Pradhan outlined GoodWeave’s founding vision and the centre’s ongoing efforts to support children’s wellbeing through education and care, and thanked carpet factory owners for maintaining child-labour-free workplaces.

Gokarneshwor Municipality Deputy Mayor Sannani Lama highlighted the positive outcomes of collaboration between local authorities, GoodWeave and the ILO, and said the municipality stood ready to support future initiatives that strengthen child protection and inclusive community development.

During the programme, students from EPHC performed and shared personal accounts of how the centre had affected their lives. One student spoke about how EPHC made education possible despite severe financial hardship and a parent’s work in a carpet weaving factory. Another recounted past experiences of labour exploitation and trafficking and said support from GoodWeave helped rescue, educate and empower him to rebuild his future.

Representatives from Nepal Carpet Manufacturers and Exporters Association (NCMEA) and the Department of Labour and Occupational Safety (DoLOS) urged stronger partnerships and continued investment in education and child wellbeing, saying ending child labour is both a social responsibility and a development priority.

The programme concluded with closing remarks from Nawaraj Lamichanney, President of EPHC, and a collective commitment from participating organisations to uphold child rights, strengthen responsible business practices and work towards a future where every child can learn, play and thrive free from child labour.