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Tehran’s network of beggars, working children should be confronted
In a recent interview with a radio broadcast, Ahmadi Sadr lamented the current state of child labor and street organization in Tehran. He highlighted the unfortunate reality that children are often coerced into these illicit networks due to a variety of factors, including the exploitation of their families’ financial hardships. Despite the fact that child labor is deemed illegal, Ahmadi Sadr noted that the punitive measures in place are insufficient to deter these practices.
Ahmadi Sadr referenced a report by the parliament’s research center, stating that the State Welfare Organization has attempted to prevent working of the children 32 times. However, he argued that without stringent laws and with Tehran’s open-door policy towards neighboring cities and countries seeking to profit from the street economy, “These efforts are doomed to fail, even if the plan is implemented 320 times.”
The official further criticized the lack of a unified management system to address social damage in Tehran. He expressed frustration at the repeated implementation of the prevention plan, which has been attempted 32 times, yet the problem persists.
Ahmadi Sadr revealed that the Tehran Municipality has proposed a plan to the relevant organizations and institutions. He clarified that while it is not the Municipality’s responsibility to organize labor children, they have nonetheless presented a plan aimed at identifying talent, empowering, and educating these children.
He concluded by urging that the network of beggars and child labor profiteers be confronted with the seriousness it deserves, once and for all.