Honduras Reaches Historic Consensus: CONETI Approves Key Reform to Protect Adolescents from Hazardous Work

Child Labour

Honduras Reaches Historic Consensus: CONETI Approves Key Reform to Protect Adolescents from Hazardous Work

7 May 2026

La CONETI es el espacio de diálogo social idóneo donde representantes de Gobierno, empleadores, trabajadores y organizaciones de sociedad civil suman esfuerzos para prevenir y erradicar el trabajo infantil

Tegucigalpa, HONDURAS (ILO news) - The National Commission for the Gradual and Progressive Eradication of Child Labor (CONETI) held its first regular session of the year on Wednesday, May 6 marking a milestone in the country's labour regulations. The meeting, chaired by Juan Carlos Rodríguez Molina, Undersecretary of State for Labour and Social Security, reaffirmed the commitment of the government and social sectors to the fight against child labour.

The meeting was characterized by an inclusive and participatory social dialogue, with representatives from 10 government ministries in attendance. The session included the active participation of the Honduran Council of Private Enterprise (COHEP), representing the employer sector; the Unitary Confederation of Workers of Honduras (CUTH) and the Honduran Professional Association for Teacher Development (COLPROSUMAH), representing the labor movement; and the Network of Institutions for Children's Rights (COIPRODEN), representing civil society. The meeting was also supported by the National Human Rights Commissioner (CONADEH) and the European Union Delegation in Honduras.

The central and most significant item on the agenda was the approval of the amendment to Article 8 of the Regulation on Child Labor. This amendment is essential, as it comprehensively expands and updates the list of hazardous jobs for adolescent workers, classifying them according to two specific criteria: by nature and by condition.

The reform introduces a modern and protective approach that aligns with the international standards of the International Labour Organization (ILO). This list had not been updated for 10 years, an obligation that Honduras, as an ILO member state, must fulfil in accordance with Article 4 of the ILO Convention on the Worst Forms of Child Labour, 1999 (No. 182). After 14 months of dialogue, discussion, and consensus-building, the most significant advances include:

• Hazardous work by condition (Article 8A): The regulation of physical, chemical, and biological risks is expanded, also incorporating psychosocial factors such as exposure on social media and ergonomic risks with a gender-sensitive approach.

• Comprehensive approach: The new definition of hazardous work not only considers physical harm but also prioritizes mental health, well-being, access to education, and the comprehensive development of adolescents.

This regulatory advancement was made possible thanks to technical assistance from the CLEAR Supply Chains Project: Ending Child Labor in Supply Chains, co-financed by the European Union and implemented by the International Labor Organization (lead agency), UNICEF, FAO, and ITC, which seeks to address the root causes of child labor in supply chains through a cluster-based approach. With this approval, Honduras strengthens its legal framework and takes a leading role in protecting the rights of adolescent workers, ensuring that their education and development are not compromised by hazardous work environments.

For more information about the CLEAR Supply Chains Project in Honduras, visit the ILO CLEAR Supply Chains project page.