Child Labour Monitoring and Remediation Systems are one of the most widely used approaches to tackle child labour in the cocoa sector. To guide the effective set-up and implementation of CLMRS, and to strengthen their impact, ICI has recently published two complementary resources: the CLMRS Core Criteria and the CLMRS Manual.
Child Labour Monitoring and Remediation Systems are child-centred support systems designed to identify children in or at risk of child labour, provide support to improve their situation, and follow their progress over time. Throughout the process, CLMRS Personnel support caregivers to change behaviour to better protect their children.
CLMRS Core Criteria: The “what”
The Core Criteria for CLMRS define the minimum standards for system design and implementation, including required activities, essential definitions and key metrics. They are designed to support CLMRS implementers and other actors to improve system performance and alignment across the sector, and to support auditors to carry out fair and comparable assessments. Most importantly, the Core Criteria were developed to raise the bar for system performance, improving outcomes for children.
The Core Criteria establish the operational definition of a CLMRS by identifying three required activities that guide households to change behaviours: provide support and raise awareness, identify children in child labour, and follow up with these children. To implement these activities effectively, the Core Criteria outline two mandatory elements: CLMRS Personnel, who carry out the three required activities, and a database, which enables the tracking of progress over time.
For the first time, the Core Criteria define that to be considered a CLMRS, a system must demonstrate that it has implemented all three required activities in the past 24 months and be able to report on: the number of children who received support, in-person monitoring visits and at least two follow-up visits. A system that does not do all three of these activities cannot be considered a CLMRS.
The Core Criteria also outline when activities must happen to ensure that targeted support is provided promptly after the identification of a child in child labour, and that follow-up visits occur regularly so further support, if needed, can be provided quickly.
CLMRS Manual: The "how"
While the Core Criteria define what constitutes a CLMRS, the CLMRS Manual explains how to design and implement one effectively.
The Manual serves as a practical guide for CLMRS implementers, including sustainability and programme managers in companies, cooperatives, and NGOs. Drawing on over a decade of ICI’s experience and the latest evidence from the field, it translates research and lessons learned into clear, actionable guidance and tools.
For instance, it guides implementers on the key strategic decisions for system design, such as the approach to coverage, staffing, and which support activities to promote. It also provides detailed practical guidance on operational aspects, including hiring CLMRS Personnel, managing the database, raising awareness, conducting visits, and delivering support activities.
The Manual also links to a range of complementary tools and resources, including job descriptions for CLMRS Personnel, data collection forms, awareness-raising materials, and links to implementation guides for specific support activities.
By equipping implementers and field teams with clear standards and practical tools, these resources aim to strengthen the effectiveness and impact of CLMRS, ultimately helping more children transition out of child labour for good.
CLMRS Core Criteria
CLMRS Manual