According to a recent assessment by the United Nations Office for Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), child labor in Afghanistan has increased drastically since the Taliban returned to power in 2021.
The study, released on June 12 to commemorate World Day Against Child Labor, provides a bleak picture of the country's rising child labor situation.
According to UN research, 19% of Afghan youngsters are currently working, which is the highest percentage internationally. This distressing number demonstrates the cumulative impact of bad administration, continuing fighting, and widespread poverty during Taliban control. The international organization Save the Children reports a stunning 38 percent increase in child labor in the last year alone.
"The current situation of children in Afghanistan is extremely dangerous for their future," cautions OCHA, emphasizing the critical need for action.
Afghanistan's kids are employed in a variety of difficult and frequently dangerous tasks, including brick manufacturing, carpet weaving, construction, mining, and farming. Many others turn to begging on the streets or scavenging for trash to support their families.
The Taliban's actions have exacerbated the situation of Afghan children, depriving them of fundamental rights and an education. The number of out-of-school children has skyrocketed, with many having to work owing to the country's severe economic situation.
The United Nations has urged the Taliban to take immediate action to combat child labor and give assistance to impacted families. This plea reflects the international community's rising concern about the Taliban's rule and the disastrous influence it has on Afghanistan's future.