Purpose –This study aims to examine the shortcomings of the International Labour Organisation Standards (ILO) and domestic laws regarding efforts made to enforce various standards and legal instruments to eradicate the worst form of child labour on Ivory Coast‟s cocoa farms. Design methodology/approach–We conduct textual analysis and deconstruction of strategies put in place to overcome the lingering phenomenon of child labour on cocoa farms in the Ivory Coast, the leading cocoa producer in the world. Findings – Evidence of the continued involvement of child labourers in Ivory Coast cocoa farming to date highlights the lack of results in combating the phenomenon, which indicates that ILO standards and domestic laws appear to be inefficient and insufficient in winning the ongoing fight. Originality/value –The findings of this study demonstrate the missed opportunities in combating the worst form of child labour on Ivory Coast‟s cocoa farms and suggest a paradigm shift in approach to eradicate the phenomenon