Launched in October 2001 in Geneva, the ECLT Foundation (Eliminating Child Labour in Tobacco-growing) is a multi-sectorial initiative that groups:· trade unions: the International Union of Food, Agricultural, Hotel, Restaurant, Catering, Tobacco and Allied Workers' Associations (IUF)· tobacco farmers' associations: the International Tobacco Growers Association (ITGA)· multinational tobacco processing companies: Dimon, Standard Commercial, Tribac, Universal Leaf· multinational tobacco manufacturing companies: Altadis, British American Tobacco, Gallaher, Imperial Tobacco, Japan Tobacco, Philip Morris International, Philip Morris USA, Scandinavian Tobacco· and, as advisor to the Foundation Board, the UN's International Labour Organisation (ILO).Background: Like other agricultural sectors, tobacco-growing is not exempt from the phenomenon of child labour, which sees children denied of their right to education, safety, health and well-being. The challenge to eliminate child labour is particularly difficult in developing countries due to widespread poverty: the difficult socio-economic conditions in which families live and the poor performance of the education system force small-holder farmers to involve their children in their own economic activities. Child labourers face many health, safety and occupational hazards by working long hours, being exposed to toxic agrochemicals and performing strenuous work. Foundation activities: To address this problem, the ECLT Foundation has developed a strategy which focuses on carrying out independent research and supporting field projects. By funding different pilot projects in areas where child labour is prevalent, the ECLT Foundation acts concretely in favour of children and their communities. These projects do not tackle child labour in isolation, but rather apply a comprehensive approach by integrating:· prevention· protection and rehabilitation of child labourers· improvement of the communities' living conditions and labour standards. The presentation will focus on describing the impact of the 6 projects that are currently supported by the ECLT Foundation in Kyrgyzstan, Malawi, Philippines, Tanzania and Uganda.