Fairtrade's standards on the protection of children and prevention of child labour are grounded in international conventions and aim to ensure that children’s rights are upheld in producer organizations.

Fairtrade NAPP plays a crucial role in supporting producer organizations comply with the rigorous standard that strictly prohibit child labour and the involvement of children in any work that is hazardous or interferes with their education. This helps POs understand their responsibilities and establish mechanisms for preventing child labour in their supply chains.

Fairtrade NAPP runs targeted programs and projects across the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region to address specific social and environmental issues, including child labour. It educates farmers, workers and communities on the harmful effects of child labour and the importance of child rights to create pathways for children to receive an education instead of working. These projects are tailored to the unique needs of local communities and focus on building long-term resilience, sustainability, and ethical practices.

Fairtrade NAPP also raises awareness about child protection by promoting the importance of Fairtrade standards and showcasing producer organizations' commitment to safeguarding children. It highlights success stories, educate consumers, and encourages ethical purchasing to support child-friendly supply chains.

One of our standout initiatives is the Fairtrade NAPP Youth-Inclusive Community-Based Monitoring and Remediation (YICBMR) Project. This project is a community-based approach designed to monitor, identify, and address issues of child labour and other labour rights violations within Fairtrade-certified supply chains.  By involving youth, the project not only strengthens the local monitoring systems but also builds future leaders who are aware of the ethical standards required in Fairtrade practices. These young community members are trained to recognize and report any instances of child labour or exploitative practices, thereby ensuring that issues are addressed early on and that remediation strategies can be swiftly implemented.

An independent report found that Fairtrade’s YICBMR system was more relevant, stronger, more effective in awareness raising and capacity building, prevention, monitoring, and remediation than existing Internal Control Systems. 

Fairtrade NAPPs Policy on the Protection of Children and Vulnerable Adults addresses all forms of exploitation, including economic, physical, emotional, and sexual exploitation, ensuring that children and vulnerable adults are safeguarded from any form of harm or abuse within its operations across Asia and Pacific region.

It also supports POs in developing and implementing child protection policies. These policies guide producer organizations in creating a safe environment for children, identifying risks of child labour, and taking action to prevent violations.

In cases where child labour is found, Fairtrade NAPP works with Fairtrade International Act to Protect Committee and with national child protection agencies, local authorities, and child rights organisations to ensure children’s safe remediation and long-term wellbeing.

Alongside, this Fairtrade NAPP supports producer organizations in developing and implementing a remediation plan with its Social Compliance Unit. This includes risk assessments, capacity building for Producer Organisations on child protection measures, and the enforcement of corrective actions when non-compliance is identified. By embedding child protection within its social compliance framework, Fairtrade NAPP ensures that ethical practices are maintained, and the rights of children and vulnerable adults are safeguarded. 

Fairtrade NAPP collaborates with partners and donors to strengthen child protection by leveraging increased revenue and resources, while also supporting advocacy initiatives that help raise awareness of child rights, influence policy changes, and promote ethical business practices.

By working closely with international organizations, NGOs, local governments and stakeholders, FT NAPP secures financial support and technical expertise to implement child protection programs within producer communities and promoting safe, dignified working conditions for all.

For example: The European Union provides significant funding support to various programs and projects aimed at enhancing sustainability, gender equality, and economic development within Fairtrade NAPP and its producer organizations such as the establishment of Gender leadership schools,. It has helped finance programs targeting gender equality, skills development, fair labour practices, enabling producers, especially women, to gain leadership roles, improve productivity, and strengthen community resilience. 

Fairtrade NAPP encourages producers to use their Fairtrade Premium for community development projects that directly address child protection such as education, healthcare, and child welfare programs. By using the premium, producers can build or improve schools, provide scholarships, and create awareness campaigns on children's rights and the dangers of child labour. These investments reduce the need for children to work, helping families improve their financial stability and ensuring that children can stay in school and develop in a safe, nurturing environment. Fairtrade premium supports producers to create long-term solutions that enhance children's well-being and prevent child labour in their communities.