Safeguarding Children in Saudi Arabia: Training Frontliners to Combat Child Labour

RIYADH (ILO/ ITCILO News) - In a major stride toward eradicating child labour, the Family Affairs Council of Saudi Arabia, in partnership with the International Labour Organization (ILO), and the International Training Centre of the ILO (ITCILO) hosted a comprehensive "Training of Trainers for Frontliners."

The five-day programme in Riyadh aimed to empower participants with the skills and knowledge needed to tackle child labour effectively, aligning national efforts with global standards.

Participants during "Training of Trainers for Frontliners" on child labour in Riyadh, KSA/ 12 December 2024.

Highlighting Saudi Arabia's Commitment

The training builds upon Saudi Arabia's landmark achievement of adopting a National Child Labour Policy. This policy aligns with international labour standards and outlines actionable steps for implementation. As Maymouna Al Khalil, Secretary General of the Family Affairs Council, noted.

"Being here today reflects our commitment to creating a healthy and safe environment for children in Saudi Arabia, and to lead the region in safeguarding children's rights, aligning with the Kingdom's Vision 2030 goal of fostering a vibrant society where all individuals, especially children, can thrive in a safe and supportive environment," Al Khalil said.

The ILO emphasized the global importance of this initiative, with Peter Rademaker, ILO Deputy Regional Director for Arab States, stating: "Addressing child labour is crucial not only from a human rights perspective but also for fostering sustainable social and economic development. Together with the Family Affairs Council, we are proud to support the Kingdom in contributing to a world free from child labour."

Program Overview

The training was designed and delivered by Zeina Mezher, Programme Officer on Fundamental Rights at the ITCILO, combining technical expertise with interactive methodologies to provide participants with a comprehensive understanding of child labour. This included a detailed exploration of Saudi Arabia's policies, insights into international standards and global best practices in addressing root causes of child labour. Participants also engaged in practical group work and case studies, enhancing their ability to apply the knowledge to real-world scenarios.

A Regional Benchmark for Change

The training represents a continuation of the phased capacity-building initiative outlined in Saudi Arabia's National Child Labour Policy, with further sessions planned to extend into 2025, reinforcing ILO's and the Kingdom's partnership in eradicating child labour and advancing progress toward achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.

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