The International Labour Organisation (ILO) envisages that by 2016, no child should be engaged in any form of hazardous labour. This goal is a furtherance of the universally guaranteed right of all children to be protected from child labour. The majority of, if not all African states recognise the right of children to be protected from child labour. This means that this freedom cannot be taken away from children. This notwithstanding, Africa registers the highest incidence of child labour in the world and it is highly unlikely that with the current pace, the ILO target will be hit. This article argues that whereas recognising the right of children to be protected from child labour is an ideal perspective through which child labour should be viewed and addressed, such recognition cannot of itself form a complete solution to the problem. Translating this right into reality requires conscious efforts, not only on the part of African governments but the international community as a whole.

Key words: Africa, child labour, rights of children