On the occasion of World Day against Child Labor:
Innocent victims of forced labor need rescue
Soudeh Najafi, the head of the Health Committee of the Tehran Islamic Council, expressed growing concern over the increasing number of working children in Iran, particularly in the capital city of Tehran, during the council’s 153rd session on Sunday.
Najafi highlighted the plight of street and working children, who are often subjected to various forms of abuse and suffer from physical and mental health issues. She also noted that their presence on the streets poses challenges for local citizens.
The Health Committee head called for a coordinated effort among various institutions including some of the ministries such as Ministry of Education to address the issue of child labor.
Najafi emphasized the lack of a specific, official institution dedicated to organizing child labor, and despite the presence of guardians, the number of child laborers in Iran, particularly in Tehran, continues to rise.
The Tehran Islamic Council member questioned the allowance of foreign nationals to enter the country as child laborers and urged decisive action against the entry of foreign child laborers and child labor gangs operating in Tehran.
Now, as the world observes the annual World Day against Child Labor, experts and organizations unite to discuss solutions and strategies to combat the growing problem.
On World Day against Child Labor, observed annually on June 12, the international community comes together to raise awareness about the plight of millions of children engaged in labor across the globe. This year, the focus is on finding effective strategies to curb the problem and protect the rights of children.
Child labor remains a pressing issue worldwide, with an estimated 152 million children between the ages of 5 and 17 engaged in work that deprives them of their childhood, education, and future opportunities. The International Labor Organization has been at the forefront of the fight against child labor, working closely with governments, non-governmental organizations, and other stakeholders to develop and implement policies and programs aimed at eradicating the problem.
Despite progress in recent years, the COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated the issue, with many children forced into labor due to economic hardships faced by their families. The pandemic has also disrupted education systems, leaving millions of children out of school and at risk of entering the workforce.
To address the growing problem of child labor, experts and organizations propose a multi-faceted approach that includes:
Strengthening legal frameworks: Governments must enforce and strengthen laws that prohibit child labor and protect the rights of children. This includes ratifying and implementing international conventions, such as ILO Convention No. 182 on the Worst Forms of Child Labor and Convention No. 138 on the Minimum Age for Admission to Employment.
Improving access to education: Ensuring that all children have access to quality education is crucial in preventing child labor. Governments and organizations should invest in education infrastructure, provide financial support to families, and implement policies that encourage school attendance.
Addressing poverty and economic inequality: Tackling the root causes of child labor, such as poverty and economic inequality, is essential. This can be achieved through social protection programs, job creation for adults, and income-generating opportunities for families.
Raising awareness and advocacy: Public awareness campaigns and advocacy efforts can help change societal attitudes towards child labor and promote the importance of education and children’s rights.
Strengthening partnerships: Collaboration between governments, international organizations, civil society, and the private sector is crucial in the fight against child labor. By working together, stakeholders can pool resources, share knowledge, and develop effective strategies to combat the issue.
As the world marks World Day against Child Labor, it is essential to recognize the progress made in recent years and the challenges that lie ahead. By implementing comprehensive strategies and fostering collaboration among stakeholders, the international community can work towards a future where all children are free from labor and have the opportunity to reach their full potential.