Child Labor Crisis in the Middle East: Urgent Action Needed
World Day Against Child Labor was marked on Wednesday, with the spotlight turned to the troubling prevalence of child labor in the Middle East. Globally, 218 million children are employed, with 152 million subjected to child labor, and 73 million in hazardous conditions. Conflicts, economic crises, and the pandemic have exacerbated this issue.
In Jordan, the General Federation of Jordanian Trade Unions expressed concerns about the detrimental impact of child labor on the labor market. Khaled Fanatsa, president of the federation of unions, emphasized that children are occupying jobs that should go to the unemployed, citing poor wages and harsh conditions. Despite legal protections, children continue to work in agriculture, construction, and workshops due to economic pressures and school dropouts.
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Morocco has seen a decline in child labor, with the number of working children halving since 2017. However, hazardous work remains a concern, particularly in construction, industry, and agriculture. Most child laborers are boys in rural areas, often dropping out of school to support their families.
In Afghanistan, 19% of children engage in hard labor, a situation worsened by years of conflict, poverty, and unemployment. The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs highlighted the severe impact on children’s health and future. With 3.2 million Afghan children suffering from malnutrition, the need for action is urgent.
