Togo is the latest country to ratify the International Labour Organisation Convention No. 182 on the worst forms of child labour. Its 19 September ratification raises the total number of signatories to 37.

When it comes into force later this year on 19 November, the accord will protect children from working in industries hazardous to their physical and mental health.

Other signatories are: Belize, Botswana, Brazil, Bulgaria, Canada, Central African Republic, Chile, Denmark, Finland, Ghana, Hungary, Iceland, Indonesia, Ireland, Italy, Jordan, Kuwait, Malawi, Malaysia, Mali, Mauritius, Mexico, Papua New Guinea, Portugal, Qatar, Rwanda, San Marino, Senegal, Seychelles, Slovakia, South Africa, Switzerland, Tunisia, United Kingdom, United States of America and Yemen have all ratified the convention. A number of countries have agreed to sign later this year.