The U.S. Department of Labor has announced the recipients of the 2024 Iqbal Masih Award for the Elimination of Child Labor, recognising outstanding efforts to eradicate the worst forms of child labour.

This year, the award honours Ghanaian trade unionist Andrews Addoquaye Tagoe and the Egyptian civil society organisation Wadi El Nil Association.

“The recipients of the 2024 Iqbal Masih Award are champions in the fight against child labour,” stated Deputy Undersecretary for International Affairs Thea Lee.

“Their unwavering efforts and achievements in the ongoing campaign to eliminate child labour have rescued children from the dangers of hazardous work and created economic opportunities for families to help derail the cycle of child labour in Egypt and Ghana.”

For over two decades, Wadi El Nil Association has been a pivotal force in combating child labour in Egypt’s limestone mining sector.

The organisation rescues children from hazardous quarries, offering them pathways to education and skills development.

By providing microloans to families, Wadi El Nil helps break the cycle of poverty that often leads to child labour.

During the pandemic, the association extended additional support to vulnerable families, working with community organizations and volunteers to mitigate the crisis's impact on those in need.

In Ghana, Andrews Addoquaye Tagoe, Deputy General Secretary of the General Agricultural Workers Union of the Ghana Trade Union Congress, has been a significant advocate for child and workers' rights.

Mr Tagoe's efforts to organize and formalize the agricultural economy in rural areas and his work with communities to eliminate child labour have helped thousands of children move from labour into school.

His passionate advocacy has fostered a strong network of anti-child labour champions in Ghana and beyond.

Established in 2008 by Congress, the Iqbal Masih Award for the Elimination of Child Labor is a non-monetary award presented annually by the Secretary of Labor.

The award honours its namesake, Iqbal Masih, a Pakistani child sold into slavery at age four to work as a carpet weaver.

After escaping at age 10, Masih became a vocal advocate against child exploitation. Tragically, he was killed in Pakistan at the age of 12.

The dedication and impact of Wadi El Nil Association and Andrews Addoquaye Tagoe exemplify the global fight against child labour, highlighting the critical need for continued efforts and collaboration to protect the world's most vulnerable children.