2.7.3. Labour exploitation

The 2010 Children's Act sets the minimum working age at 14 years, but allows children younger than that age to ‘work in pastoral and agricultural activities'.582 The 2024 USDOS report on trafficking in persons for Sudan indicated that '[a]lthough information on the worst forms of child labour was difficult to obtain due to the conflict, observers report child labour remains prevalent in Sudan. Criminal groups exploit Sudanese women and girls – particularly internally displaced persons (IDPs) or those from rural areas – in domestic work and in sex trafficking'. 583 For additional information, see section 2.6.2. Violence against women and girls.

In the report on MSHT in Sudan, GPG reported that, ‘organisations are noting higher rates of child labour and begging’ in Sudan.584 The same source detailed that children not benefitting from protection services were often subjected to forced labour, including informal and hazardous labour, unsafe work environments and faced many violations, such as not being duly remunerated and harassment.585

In April 2026, the Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) noted that among forcibly displaced Sudanese families in Sudan, Chad and South Sudan, 18 % of households reported sending children to work, with higher rates reported when families were facing food insecurities.586