Summary
Switzerland will participate for the third time in the World Conference on the Elimination of Child Labor in Marrakech from February 11-13, 2026. The Federal Council appointed delegation members on January 14, 2026. The conference, organized under the auspices of the International Labour Organization (ILO), brings together governments, employer and worker organizations, and civil society. Switzerland will use the opportunity to present its legislation on due diligence regarding child labor and to agree on concrete measures against child labor, forced labor, and human trafficking.
Persons
- Federal Council (Switzerland)
Topics
- Child labor
- International Labour Organization (ILO)
- Due diligence
- Forced labor and human trafficking
- Sustainable development (Agenda 2030)
Detailed Summary
The Moroccan government invites all member states of the International Labour Organization (ILO) to the sixth World Conference on the Elimination of Child Labor. The conference takes place from February 11-13, 2026 in Marrakech and is organized under the auspices of the ILO.
For Switzerland, this is already the third participation in this significant international conference. The Swiss Federal Council appointed the members of the delegation team on January 14, 2026, who will represent the country.
The conference brings together governments, employer and worker organizations, and civil society organizations. The overarching goal is to exchange experiences, develop innovative solutions, and agree on concrete, binding measures to eliminate child labor worldwide.
Switzerland uses this platform strategically to present its national legislation on due diligence with regard to child labor to other countries and to position itself as a best-practice example. Swiss engagement focuses on three closely interconnected problem areas: child labor, forced labor, and human trafficking. These priorities are integral to the implementation of Agenda 2030 for sustainable development.
Key Messages
- Switzerland participates for the third time in the World Conference on the Elimination of Child Labor (February 11–13, 2026 in Marrakech)
- The Federal Council appointed delegation members on January 14, 2026
- Focus areas: combating child labor, forced labor, and human trafficking
- Switzerland presents its legislation on due diligence as a solution approach
- Conference brings together governments, employer and worker organizations, and civil society
Stakeholders & Affected Parties
| Group | Role |
|---|---|
| Swiss Federal Council | Sends delegation, sets political priorities |
| International Labour Organization (ILO) | Organizes and coordinates the conference |
| Moroccan Government | Host country and conference initiator |
| Employer and worker organizations | Bring perspectives from business and worker sectors |
| Civil society | Represents affected parties and NGOs |
| Affected children worldwide | Benefit from agreed measures against child labor |
Opportunities & Risks
| Opportunities | Risks |
|---|---|
| Switzerland positions itself as a leader in due diligence | Different national standards complicate implementation |
| Experience exchange leads to innovative solution approaches | Lack of enforcement mechanisms for agreements |
| Stronger global coordination against child labor | Economic resistance from affected industries |
| Linkage with Agenda 2030 increases binding nature | Different priorities between industrialized and developing countries |
Action Relevance
For Swiss decision-makers:
- Preparation of the delegation for concrete negotiation positions
- Coordination with business associations on the feasibility of due diligence requirements
- Monitoring of conference resolutions and their implementation
For international stakeholders:
- Observation of Swiss positions as a benchmark for due diligence standards
- Evaluation of conference resolutions for practical applicability
Quality Assurance & Fact-Checking
- [x] Central statements and data verified
- [x] Publication date and source verified: 14.01.2026
- [x] No unconfirmed data identified
- [x] No discernible bias or political one-sidedness
Supplementary Research
- International Labour Organization (ILO): Official information on previous world conferences and their outcomes
- Swiss Due Diligence Law: Detailed regulations and implementation experience
- Agenda 2030: Target 8.7 on the elimination of child labor and forced labor
Source List
Primary Source:
Press Release of the Swiss Federal Council – "Switzerland Participates in Sixth World Conference on the Elimination of Child Labor" (January 14, 2026)
https://www.news.admin.ch/de/newnsb/3XwO8a-zw8w5-o3alTeG2
Supplementary Sources:
- International Labour Organization (ILO) – World Conferences on the Elimination of Child Labor
- Swiss State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO) – Due Diligence and Human Rights
- United Nations – Agenda 2030 for Sustainable Development (Target 8.7)
Verification Status: ✓ Facts checked on January 14, 2026
This text was created with the support of Claude.
Editorial responsibility: clarus.news | Fact-checking: January 14, 2026