The Centre and UNICEF to Co-Host Session on Child Labour at the 4th African Business and Human Rights Forum

On October 8, 2025, The Centre for Child Rights and Business (The Centre) and UNICEF will co-organise a hybrid session at the 4th African Business and Human Rights Forum in Lusaka, Zambia, titled “Fighting Child Labour Amid Turbulent Times – The Case for Strengthening Access to Remedy in African Supply Chains”.

Child labour remains a pressing challenge in Africa, particularly in informal sectors such as artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM). Weak regulatory frameworks, poverty and ongoing economic and geopolitical pressures make the issue even harder to tackle, while businesses face growing expectations to meet human rights due diligence (HRDD) standards.

This panel will examine how companies can translate commitments into concrete action by strengthening access to remedy for child labour in high-risk supply chains. Drawing on experiences from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), the session will showcase innovative, business-driven initiatives from the Fair Cobalt Alliance, The Centre, UNICEF, local CSOs, and international companies that are addressing child labour and building long-term support systems for vulnerable children and communities.

Speakers will discuss the evolving regulatory landscape, the importance of multi-stakeholder collaboration, and the role of businesses in remedying harm and advancing responsible business conduct in Africa.

Date: 8 October 2025
Time: 10:00-11:20 a.m.
Location: Lusaka, Zambia and via Zoom
Confirmed speakers: The Centre, the Child Rights Action Hub DRC, FCA, TFM and UNICEF (watch this space for more updates)
Register here: https://www.bhrafricaforum.org/