Millions of children remain trapped in child labour, particularly in remote and underserved communities where civil society organizations (CSOs) are often the only actors with direct access and insight. Yet, their work is frequently constrained by limited funding, fragmented coordination and policy frameworks that do not fully reflect the realities they confront on the ground. For policymakers, engaging with CSO perspectives is not optional, it is essential for designing rights-based, accountable, and enforceable strategies that can genuinely reach the most marginalized children. This clarity is essential for informing governments about the changes required for national commitments on education, decent work, and child protection to produce meaningful results.

This session will empower participants to identify practical ways policies can benefit communities and to clearly distinguish the roles of different actors in combating child labor. Through interactive discussions and real-world examples, participants will gain actionable insights to strengthen collaboration between grassroots initiatives and policy frameworks and how to take the Durban call to action forward.