54 million children worldwide perform hazardous work.

Omissions

• The MEP did not cite the source (ILO/UNICEF) or specify that the data comes from the 2024 Global Estimates report.
• The claim says 'nearly 140 million children work,' but the official figure is 'nearly 138 million in child labour' — a minor rounding difference. The broader category of all children in employment (including permitted light work) would be higher than 138 million.
• The MEP did not specify the age range (5–17 years) or the reference year (2024) of the data.

Sources

• PrimaryILO — 2024 Global Estimates of Child Labour in figuresNearly 138 million children – 59 million girls and 78 million boys – are in child labour worldwide. Among all children in child labour, two in five (54 million) perform hazardous work.
• PrimaryUNICEF — Despite progress, child labour still affects 138 million children globallyNearly 138 million children were engaged in child labour in 2024, including around 54 million in hazardous work likely to jeopardize their health, safety, or development.
• PrimaryUNICEF Data — Child Labour Global Estimates 2024Child Labour Global Estimates 2024. UNICEF/ILO joint publication. June 11, 2025. The latest joint publication from UNICEF and ILO.