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The Child Rights Action Hub DRC ('Action Hub') provides a collaborative, on-the-ground solution for companies seeking to address child labour linked to artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM) of critical minerals (including cobalt and copper). Our model enables companies to meet human rights due diligence (HRDD) requirements while delivering lasting, positive impact for children, families and mining communities.

Over a dozen international companies are already funding the initiative, with further support from the Fair Cobalt Alliance and through the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office's (FCDO) Modern Slavery Fund. The Action Hub offers businesses a proven platform to engage in meaningful risk-based human rights due diligence.

• The DRC produces 70% of the world’s cobalt, with 10–30% coming from artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM). It is nearly impossible to guarantee that no ASM cobalt enters global supply chains. Companies must assume their supply may be linked to the worst forms of child labour

• In one 2024 study area, 19% of children were involved in mining-related work—two-thirds of them working daily. Parents want their children in school, but poverty, weak education systems, and the lack of safe alternatives drive them into work linked to mining activities

• Until now, there has been no coordinated, long-term approach that brings together local expertise, existing efforts, and company support. The Action Hub fills that gap. It offers a practical way for companies across the copper-cobalt supply chain to collaborate and take real action

Our programmes meet evolving human rights due diligence expectations in a way that drives direct and positive change for children on the ground, and addresses the risk of child labour along the supply chain. Our key workstreams include:

• Research, mapping and risk assessments: Identifying child labour risks and mapping resources

• Increased accountability of supply chain actors: Training on HRDD and child labour prevention & remediation; strategic partnerships with local organisations and dialogue between key stakeholders

• Capacity building for local partners and communities: training on responsible business conduct and child rights, as well as training and accreditation for local case managers)

• Child labour remediation and case management: Individualised and collective support for children, managed by an accredited local case manager

• Access to decent work for youth: connects out-of-school youth to decent work and apprenticeship opportunities, reducing the risk of hazardous mine work (one of the worst forms of child labour)

• After-School Centres: Community-run learning and recreational spaces to keep children engaged in meaningful after-school activities

• Siblings Educational Support Programme: ensures that all school-age children in affected households attend school for one year

• Reduced child labour

• Strengthened child labour remediation services network

• Decent work opportunities for youth

• Community facilitators as local child rights advocates and a strong local network that can drive progress in alignment with existing government initiatives

• Improved understanding of business linkage to child labour / stronger impact in addressing child labour in informal/lower tiers

• Remediation fund with companies contributing to support vulnerable children

• Businesses can select from different Child Rights Action Hub Participation Packages, each with varying levels of production site coverage (contact us to learn more)

• Nominate suppliers in your supply chain to be included in Hub activities (or you can request your direct suppliers or vendors to share details of lower-tier suppliers; The Centre will then approach these facilities and invite them to participate in Action Hub activities)